m& 


J**.  l%i 


1    K 


CIRCULATING 


•%# 


/7/W 


Wt&*~  /Att^  s*7^ 


*.. 


/  W*i*&  Y^ 


CIRCULATING  LIBRARY. 

TERMS. 

Subscriptions  by  the  year,      -      -      $1,50. 

"  Six  months,        -        -        88. 

"  Three  months,       -       -      50. 

"  One  month,         -         -       25. 

With  the  privelege  of  having  2  volumes 

at  a  time — taken  and  returned  at  the  option 

of  the  subscriber. 

Non  subscribers  are  charged  3   cents  a 
week,  per  volume. 

*#*A11  damage  more  than  the  ordinary 
wear,  to  be  paid  in  addition. 

CATALOGUE. 

Atala  Arabian    Nights,    new 

Antiquary  2v. 

Abbot  2v. 

Albigences  3v. 

Arabian  Nights  2v. 

Abbaelleno 

Alonzo  and  Melissa 

Almacks  2v. 

A  Year  and  a  Day 

Almacks  Revisited  ^v.lByron's  Works  8v. 


series  2v. 
Apacian  Morsels 
Arthur  Clenning  2v. 
Annals  of  the  Peninsu- 
la 2v. 
Arlington  2v. 
Bennett's  Letters 
Brambletye  tL    se  Sv. 


9 

Bracebridge  Hall  2v. 

Bannockburn  2v. 

Blank  Book  of  a  small 
Colleger 

Bonaparte's      Expedi- 
tion to  Russia 

Babylon  the  Great  2v. 

Boyne  Water  2  v. 

Buccaneers  2v. 

Body  and  Soul  2V. 

Brittish  Spy 

Beauties  of  Kirk  White 

Boston  Prize  Poems, 

Balance  of  Comfort  2v. 

Blue  Stocking  Hall  2v. 

Beatrice  2v. 

Bravo  2v\ 

Court  of  Queen  Eliza- 
beth 

Children    of   the   Ab- 
bey 3v. 

Cottage  Skeches 

Charlotte  and  Werter 

Captain  Rock' 

Cochran's    Pedestrian 
Journey 

Charlotte  Temple 

Christian  Indian 

Carver's  Travels 

Ccelebs  2v. 

Chronieles  of  tlie  Can- 
gate  2v. 
Charlotte V  daughter 
Charles  Observator 


Catalogue. 


Cyril  Thornton  2v. 
Chesterfield's  Let's.  3v 
Coming  Out  2v. 
Contrast  2v. 
Collegians  2v. 
Castilian  2v. 
Carbonaro  2v. 
Confessions  of  an   old 

Maid  2v. 
Cook's  Voyages,  2v. 
Clarence  2v. 
Camden  2v. 
Caleb  Williams  2v. 
Cox's  Columbia  River 
Darby's  Tour 
Decision 
Dinarbus 
Dunallan  2v. 
Death's  Doings  2v. 
Devereau  2v. 
Darnly  2y. 
Denounced  2v. 
Destiny  2v„ 
Dutchmans  Fireside  £v 
Dreams  &  Reveries  2v. 
Entail  2v. 
Evelina  2v. 
Errata  2v. 

Elizabeth  De  Bruce  2v 
Exclusives  2v. 
Eugene  Aram  2v. 
Fortunes  of  Nigel  2v. 
Fast  of  St,  Magdalen 

2v 


Catalogue. 


Fayette  Plays 
Female  Quixotism  2v, 
Frederick  de  Algeroy 
Flowers  of  Wit 
Fitzosborne's  Letters 
Father  Clement 
Francis  Berrian  2v. 


Field    of   Forty  Foot- 
steps 

Fame  and  Fancy  2v. 

Fair  Maid  of  Perth  2v. 

Flint's  Travels  in   the 
Missippi 

Faulkland 

Guy  Mannering  2v 

Griscom's  Year  in  Eu- 
rope 2v. 

Gozlington  Shadow  2v. 

Gaieties  &  Gravities  2v 

Goldsmith's  Rome 
do.         Greece 
Gaston  de  Blondeville 

2v 
Gil  Bias  3v. 
George  Barnwell 
Granby  2 v. 
George  Mason 
Hunter's  Narative 
History  of  the  War 
History  of  England 
Hero  of  No  Fiction  2v 
Heroine  2v. 


Human  Heart 

Helon's  Pilgrimaged 

Honor  O'Hara  2v. 

Hope  Leslie  2v. 

Hervey's  Meditations 

Hobomock 

High  Life  2v. 

Hogg's   Perils  of  Wo- 
men 2v. 

Hadad 

Herodotus  3v. 

Hungarian      Brothers 
2v. 

Hungarian  Tales  2v. 

Heaudenmaur  2v. 

Heber's  India  2v. 

Island,  a  Poem 

Italy,         do 

Ivanhoe  2v. 

Integrity 

Interesting  Memoirs. 

Inheritance  2v. 

Itinerary  of  a  Travel- 
Instinct  [ler. 

Irving's  Columbus  3v. 

Isabella  2v. 

Irish  Fairy  Legends 

Incognito  2v. 

Jackson's  Memoirs 

Johnson's  Lives  of  the 
Poets  3v. 


John  Bull  pi    A->  — 
High    Ways    and    ByJewetr 

Ways  2v,  searches 


Catalogue. 


Joseph  Andrews 
John  de  Lancaster  2v. 
Juvenile  works  of  Mrs. 

Barbauld 
Journal  of  the  Heart 
Jeremy  Levis  2v. 
King  of  the  Peak  2v. 
Kenilworth  2v. 
Kirke     White's     Re- 

mains  2v. 
Knight  of  St.  John  2v. 
Knickerbocker's   New 

York  2v. 
Lights  and  Shadows 
Las  Cases  Journal  2v. 
Life  of  Bonaparte 
Life  of  Penn 
Life     of   Washington, 

(Weem's) 
Life  of  Putnam 
Letters  from  the  South 

and  West 
Life  of  Burke 
Lionel  Lincoln  2v. 
Lady  of  the  Manor  5v. 
Last  of  the    Mohicans 

2v. 
Life  of  Johnson  6 v. 
Life    of    Washington, 

(Bancroft's) 
Lord     of     the    Bright 
Life  of  Franklin    [City 
Lady  Guernsey's  Con- 
fession 


Leslie  Linkfield  2v. 

Laconics 

Life  in  India  2v. 

Life  of  Gen.  Eaton 

Lafitte 

Laurie  Todd  2v. 

Lost  Heir  2v. 

Legends  of  the  West 

Monastery  2v. 

Marauder 

Marie  Antoinette 

Margaret  Lindsay 

Modern  Europe 

Memoirs  of  Goethe 

MomoirsofJ.  P.  Kem- 
ble 

Madam  Knight 

Mrs.  Montague's  Let- 
ters 3v. 

Memoirs  of  Lafayette 

Memoirs  and  Recollec- 
tions of  Count  Segur 

Maurace  &  Berghetta 

Memoirs  of  a  French 
Sergeant 

Morgan's  Masonry 

Museum  of  Literature 
and  Science  4v. 

Miss  Porter's  Tales 

Montgomery's  Poems 
4v. 

McNeil's  Poems 

Mysteries  of  TTdolpho 
3v. 


Catalogue. 


Moral  Tales 
Marvelous   Repository 

4v. 
Memoirs  of  Lafitte 
Miller's  Greece 
Maid  of  the  Mist  2v. 
Meridith 
Mrs.  Trollope 
Nichol's  Recollections 
No  Fiction  2v. 
New  England  Tale 
Northwood  2v. 
New  Moral  Tales 
Notes  on  Columbia 
Night  Thoughts 
New  Forest 
Opie's  Illustrations  of 

Lying 
Old  Endiand  by  a  New 

England  Man  2v. 
Oberon  2v. 
O'Halleran  2v. 
Paul  Jones  3v. 
Pioneers  2v. 
Peter's  Letters 
Pastor's  Fireside  2v. 
Peveril  of  the  Peak  2v. 
Plays  2v. 

Percy  Anecdotes  3v. 
Pilot  2v. 

Prose  by  a  Poet,  2v. 
Precaution,  2v. 
Percy  Mallory  2v. 
Profession  not  Princi- 


ple. 
Peep   at   the    Pilgrims 

in  1636  2v. 
Paul  and  Virginia 
Porter's  Russian  Cam- 
Paradise  Lost      [paign 
Pirate  2v. 

Paine's  Political  works 
Peter  Wilkins  2v. 
Pelham  2v. 
Posthumous  Papers 
Peace  Campaigns  2v. 
Paul  Clifford  2v. 
Philip  Augustus  2v. 
Polish  Chiefs  2v, 
Quentin  Durward  2v. 
Ringan  Gilhaize  2v. 
Rob  Roy  2v. 
Recluse  of  Norway  2v 
Redwood  2v. 
Robbins'  Journal 
Red  Gauntlet  2v. 
Recollections     of    the 

Peninsula 
Rothelan  2v. 
Resignation  2v. 
Rinaldo  Rinaldini  2v. 
Refugee  2v. 
Rasselas 

Roderic  Random  2v. 
Romance  of  the  Forest 
Red  Rover  2v. 
Robinson's  History   of 

America  2v. 


6 


Catalogue. 


Reuben  Aspley  2v. 
Romance  of  Real  Life 

2v. 

Rybrent  De  Cruice  2v 
Richelieu  2v. 
Rachael  Dyer 
Robert  of  Paris  2v. 
Romance  and  Reality. 
Sources    of     Unequal 

Wealth 
Spy  2v. 

Scottish  Chiefs  2v. 
Shakespear's  Plays  8v 
Sketeh  Book  3v. 
Spectator  2v. 
Spectre   of  the  Forest 

%w\ 
Sayings  &,  Doings  2v 
Stranger's  Grave 
Spanish  Daughter 
Sketch  of  Connecticut 

40  years  since 
Schoolcraft's  Travels 
Sayings  &  Doings  2v. 

2d  Series. 
Stranger  of  the  Valley 

2v. 
Sailor  Boy 
Symzonia 
Simonds'     Switzerland 

'2v. 
Soliloquy  of  the  Soul 
St.  Ronan's  Well  2v. 
Scott's  Life  of  Napol- 


eon 3v. 
Solitude  Sweetened 
Scott's    Lives    of  the 

Novelists  2v. 
Spirits  of  Odin  2v. 
Shepherds  Calender  2v 
Sailors  and  Saints 
St.Vatentine'sDay  2v. 
Ship's  Military  Career 

2v. 
Subaltern's  Log-  Book 
Stratton  Hill  2v. 
Salem  Witchcraft 
Seperation  2v. 
Shoshoney  Valley  2v. 
Thadeus  of  Warsaw  2  v. 
Tour  in  Germamy 
Tales  for  Fifteen 
Tales   of  my  Landlord 
1st  2nd  and  3rd  Se- 
ries 6v. 
Tales  of  the  Heart  2v. 
The   Young   Rifleman 

and  his  Comrade 
Trials  2v. 

Tales  of  the  Hall  2v. 
Transformed  Deformed 
Things  by  their  Right 

names 
Tour  in  Italy 
Tales  of  a  Traveller  3v. 
Tales  for  Mothers 
The  Foresters] 
The  Novice  2v, 


Catalogue. 


The  Troubadour 

The  Rebels 

The  Crusaders  2v. 

Tontewonte 

The  Orphan 

Tales  of  the  Genii  2v. 

Tor  Hill  2v. 

The  Prairie  2v. 

Tales  of  a  Voyager  2v. 

Three  Spaniards  2v. 

Tannyhill's  Poems 

Tytler's  History  2v. 

Two  Hundred  Days  on 

the  Continent  2v. 
The  Travellers 
Tales  of  a  Grandfather 

2  series,  4v. 
Tales     from     English 

Souvenirs 
The  Rivals  of  Arcadia 
The  Odd  Volume 
Tales  of  the  West  2v. 
Tadeuskund 
Travelling  Bachelor  2v 
Traits  of  Travel  2v. 
Trials  of  Life  2v. 
Tales  of  a  Military  life 


The  Legenders  2v. 

Tales  of  Passion  2v. 

Tales  and  Sketches 

The  Oxonians  2v. 

Tales  of  the  Puritans 

The  Betrothed  of  Wy- 
oming 

The  Alhambra  2v. 

The  Monk  2v. 

Vicar  of  Wakefield 

Vermont  Gazetteer 

Women  2r. 

Wilderness  2v. 

Waverley  2v. 

Witch  of  New  England 

Woodstock  2v. 

Wolf's  Journal 

Wild  Irish  Girl  2v. 

Wish-Ton- Wish  2v. 

Waldegrave  2v. 

Walter  Colyton  2v. 
'Water  Witch  2v. 

Wright's  Natural  His- 
tory 5v. 

Westward-Ho  !  2v. 
Yesterday  in  Ireland  2v 
Young  Duke  2v. 
Zillah  2v. 


2v. 

PLAYS. 

A  Bold  Stroke    for  a'A  new  way  to  pay  ©Id 


Wife 

Alexander  the  Great 
As  you  like  it 


Debts 
Beax  Stratagem 
Belle's  Stratagem 


8 


Beggar's  Opera 

Castle  Spectre 

Clandestine  Marriage 

Coriolanus 

Cymbeline 

Deaf  and  Dumb 

Fortune's  Frolic 

Guy  Mannering 

Hamlet 

Is  he  Jealous 

Inconstant 

Jane  Shore 

King  Henry  IV. 

King  John 

King  Lear 


Catalogue. 

Richelieu 

Soldier's  Daughter 
Suspicious  Husband 
The  Hypocrite 
The  Lying  Valet 
The  Tobacconist 
Three  weeks  after  mar- 
riage 
The  Jealous  Wife 
The  Quaker 
The  Citizen 
The  Midnight  Hour 
Twelfth  Night 
The  Stranger 


The  Woodman's  Hut 
Know  your  own  Mind  iThe  Grecian  Daughter 
Merry  Wives  of  Wind-The  Magpie 

sor  (The  Confederacy 

Maid  of  the  Mill  |The  Wonden 

Mayor  of  Garratt  jThe  Deserter 

Merchant  of  Venice.    The  Duenna 


Macbeth 

Provoked  Husband 
Rule  a  Wife  and  have 

a  Wife 
Recruiting  Officer 
Rosina 
Road  to  Ruin 
Romeo  and  Juliet 


The  Country  Girl 
The  Critic 
Venice  Preserved 
Wild  Oats 
Wheel  of  Fortune 
Who  's  the  Dupe 
Way  to  keep  him. 


The  subscriber  has  now  nearly  1000  vc 
umes  belonging  to  his  Library,  and  is  c 
stantly  making  additions  of  new  and  po^ 
lar  works.  N.  HASKELL. 


MEMOIRS 


OP 


MAJOR-GENERAL 

IN"  THE  ARMY  OF  THE 

UNITED  STATES; 


AND 

COMMANDER  IN   CHIEF 

OF  THE 

DIVISION  OF  THE  SOUTH. 


BY  S.PUTNAM  WALDO,  Esq. 

Compiler  of  >*Robbins'  Journal,"  and  Author  of  the  ''President's  Tour/' 


HARTFORD  t 
PUBLISHED  BY  JOHN  RUSSELL,  JK 

Roberts  Sc  Burr,  Printer*. 
1818. 


HltrF 


B, 


DISTRICT  OF  CONNECTICUT,  SS. 


>E  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  twenty-ninth 
.iay  of  September,  in  the  forty-third  year  of  the  Independence 
»f  the  United  States  of  America,  John  Russell,  jun.  of  the  said 
district,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of  a  Book,  the 
right  whereof,  he  claims  as  proprietor,  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit, — "Memoirs  of  Andrew  Jackson,  Major-General  in  the  ar- 
ray of  the  United  States,  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Division 
of  the  South,  by  S.  Putnam  Waldo,  Esq.  Compiler  of  "  Robbins' 
Journal,"  and  Author  of  the  u  President's  Tour."  In  conformity 
to  the  act  of  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled,  u  An  Act 
for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  ccpies  of 
Charts  and  Books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  j 
■-._    *  ■  ■  >*--■«**!   mentioned. " 

R.  I.  INGERSOLLu 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut. 
A  true  copy  of  Record,  examined  and  sealed  by  me 

R.  I.  INGERSOLL. 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut. 


'^'^O^t<^i<^ty^t4^^y>^^^^t^^l<y)vC^t<^ 


ERRATA. 

J  .lowing  errors,  the   reader  is  requested  to  correct,   pre- 
vious to  perusal. 
PAGE.       LINE. 

^4 8 for  Scotchmen,  read  Scotsmen. 

39 20 for  intrinsic,  read  extrinsic. 

49 24 omit  the  word  ft  11. 

151 g for  mnimfS^  reacj  minufrSm 

9 for  promtness,  read  promptness. 


■  ■■ 


To  the  OFFICERS  and  SOLDIERS 

OF  THE 

AMERICAN  REPUBLIC, 

GALLANT  COUNTRYMEN:— 

WITH  that  frankness,  which  in  your 
profession  is  a  distinguishing  characteristic,  I  uiHr 
this  Volume  to  you,  without  apology.  The  fame  of 
the  Exalted  Chief,  who  is  the  subject  of  it,  how- 
ever imperfectly  his  civil  and  military  charac- 
ter may  be  portrayed,  will,  I  am  confident,  entitle 
it  to  a  favourable  reception  from  you. 
With  admiration  for 

your  gallant  achievements, 
I  am  your  OVi.  ServU. 

S.  PUTNAM  WALDO. 


TO  THE  REJHfEE. 

THE  high  estimation  in  which  Maj.  Gen*  An- 
drew Jackson,  is  justly  holden  by  his  countrymen, 
was  the  inducement  to  present  them  with  the  fol- 
lowing Memoirs  of  his  Life,  Ever  since  his  name 
became  identified  with  the  glory  of  his  country,  the 
author  has  assiduously  sought  for  the  most  authentic 
mformation  relative  jto  his  origin,  and  his  progress 
from  humble  life  to  his  present  elevation. 

The  facts  relative  to  his  parentage,  his  birth,  edu- 

ation,   and  early  pursuits,  were  derived  from  a 

Southern  Correspondent,  whose  means  of  know- 

^rd^Cj  entitle  his  communications  to  the  character 

of  absolute  verity. 

From  the  early  entrance  of  Gen.  Jackson  into 
public  life,  and  fforn  the  laudable  propensity  of 
Americans  to  preserve,  in  the  various  periodical 
journals,  detached  incidents  of  the  lives  of  Ameri- 
can Worthies,  it  needs  only  industry  and  research  to 
collate  them.  The  manner  in  which  they  are  ar- 
ranged, and  the  style  in  which  they  are  detailed, 
depends  wholly  upon  the  author. 

To  give  additional  interest  to  the  volume,  a  num- 
ber of  Gen.  Jackson's  Official  Reports,  and  some 
-elections  from  his  numerous  Letters,  and  Addresses 
are  incorporated  into  the  work.  They  not  only 
.^ive  the  most  satisfactory  account  of  the  battles  in 
vvhich  he  fought,  and  the  measures  he  pursued  ; 
but  they  show  that  he  wields  the  pen  of  a  Schoiar, 
as  well  as  the  sword  of  a  Soldier. 

Apologies  for  the  defects  of  the  work,  cannot  re- 
move them,  and  will  not  be  attempted.  It  is  there- 
fore  submitted  to  the  indulgence  of  the  reader  by, 

THE  AUTHOR, 

Hartford.  (Conn.)  Oct.  1818. 


INTRODUCTION. 

Adoption  of  American  Constitution — Pursuits  of  Anaei- 
icans — Diminution  of  Military  ardour — Declaration 
ofWar-^-Militia — Volunteers — Regular  Troops-An- 
drew Jackson. 

FROM  the  conclusion  of  the  War  for  Amer- 
ican Independence,  to  the  commencement  of  that 
war  which  secured  it,  the  Amei^farjs  were  almost 
wholly  diverted  from  the  study  of  military  tactics, x 
,  and  no  opportunity  had  occurred  to  call  into  opera- 
tion the  military  science  acquired  in  the  revolution- 
ary struggle.  The  mild. arts  of  peace  were  sub- 
stituted for  the  ruthless  carnage  of  war  5  and  a 
rising  people,  who  had  severed  the  ligament  that 
bound  them  to  an  European  monarch,  cormaen- 
ced  the  enjoyment  of  self-government. 

To  organize  a  Republic,  consisting  of  a  confed- 
eracy of  a  number  of  distinct  governments,  having 
different,  and  in  some  .respects  contending  rnte 
was  a  task  which  required,  and  called  forth  the 
science  and  the  energies  of  the  first  statesmen  which 
the  world  had  produced. 

Upon  the  conclusion*  of  that  war,  the   pc 
of  the  American  Republic,  as  it  regarded  a 
of*  government,    were    <;  in  a  state    of  nat> 
Destitute  of  a  government  of  their  own 
they  had  before  them  the  lights  of  antiquity,  and 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

the  practical  knowledge  of  modern  ages,  Witk 
the  scrutinizing  research  of  statesmen,  and  the 
calm  deliberation  of  philosophers,  they  proceeded 
to  establish  a  constitution  of  Civil  Government,  as 
the  supreme  law  of  the  land.  The  establishment 
of  this  constitution  is,  perhaps,  without  a  parallel 
in  the  history  of  the  civilized  world.  It  was  not 
the  unresisted  mandate  of  a  successful  usurper,  nor 
was  it  a  government  imposed  upon  the  people  by 
a  victorious  army.  It  was  digested  by  profound 
statesmen,  who  aimed  to  secure  all  the  rights  of 
die  people  who  had  acquired  them,  by  their  toil, 
iheir  courage,  and  their  patriotism.  They  aimed 
also  to  give  to  the  government,  sufficient  energy  to 
command  respect. 

To  the  people  of  the  American  Republic,  a  con- 
stitution was  presented  for  their  deliberation,  and 
for  their  adoption.  It  was  adopted,  not  with  en- 
tire unanimity,  but  by  a  majority  of  tile  people, 
sufficiently  respectable  to  give  its  operation  a 
promising  commencement.  The  people,  having 
emancipated  themselves  from  the  power  of  a 
British  monarch — having  successfully  resisted  his 
lords  and  his  commons,  looked  with  jealousy  lip- 
ase who  were  called  to  the  exercise  of  the 
power  which  they  had  themselves  delegated  to 
their  own  countrymen.  ^The  excellency  of  the 
constitution  was  tested  by  the  practical  application 
of  its  principles ;  and  the  patriotism  and  integrity* 


INTRODUCTION.  15 

of  all  the  early  officers  who  derived  their  power 
from  it,  were  acknowledged  by  their  admiring 
countrymen. 

The  people,  having  witnessed  the  establishment 
of  a  republican  government,  of  their  own  choice, 
relapsed  from  the  energetic  character  of  republican 
soldiers,  to  the  more  gentle  ones  of  agricultural- 
ists, merchants,  and  mechanics. 

Agriculturalists  found  a  capacious  field  for  the 
exercise  of  their  pursuits  in  the  widely  extended 
and  fertile  regions  of  the  Republic.  Land  specu- 
lation became  the  business  of  the  few,  who  had 
adequate  funds,  and  the  conversion  of  the  wilder- 
ness into  fertile  fields,  the  pursuits  of  those  who 
had  industry  and  enterprise. 

The  Merchants  found  a  world  before  them  as  the 
theatre  upon  which  their  energies  were  to  be  ex- 
erted. Enjoying  peace  with  all  nations,  while 
other  nations  were  contending  with  each  other  for 
dominion  or  wealth,  the  merchants  of  the  Repub- 
lic became  the  carriers  for  the  corifmercial  world. 
Into  their  employ  they  drew  thousands  of  their 
countrymen,  and  soon  rendered  the  American 
States  the  second  nation  in  the  world,  in  point  of 
commercial  consequence* 

Manufacturers  began  to  struggle  for  the  rank 
which  they  hold  in~many  of  the  countries  in  the 
old  world.  It  was  long  an  ineffectual  struggle—; 
But  as  the  "  restrictive  system"  was  deemed  neces- 


16  INTRODUCTION. 

sary  from  the  unceasing  encroachment^ of  Europe- 
an governments  upon  the  commercial  rights  of 
America,  they  rapidly  advanced  in  wealth,  and  gave 
employ  to  a  numerous  class  of  citizens. 

These  three  great  objects  of  pursuit,  embraced 
the  whole  American  people,  if  we  except  those  of 
the  learned  professions.  These  employments  were 
all  calculated  to  divert  attention  from  military  tac- 
tics, and  to  confine  it  rather  to  the  accumulation  of 
wealth,  than  to  the  advancement  of  national  glory, 
by  military  achievements.  In  addition  to  this,  the 
very  nature  of  the  American  Constitution,  was 
calculated  to  repress  military  ardour,  being  more 
calculated  to  make  happy  citizens,  than  renowned 
soldiers.  The  surviving  patriots  of  the  revolution 
were  following  each  other  in  rapid  succession  to  the 
tomb,  and  the  rising  youth  of  America  were  sel- 
dom aroused  to  patriotism  by  the  tales  of  the  revo- 
lutionary contest. 

Sudden  wealth  was  the  result  of  the  exertions  o  f 
the  different  classes  of  Americans.  The  voluptu- 
ousness and  effeminacy  usually  an  attendant  upon 
the  possession  of  it,  was  rapidly  diminishing  that 
exalted  sense  of  national  glory,  for  which  the 
Saxons,  the  ancient  stock  from  which  Americans 
and  Englishmen  trace  their  origin,  were  always 
celebrated. 

As  the  collisions  between  the  American  Repub- 
lic, and  the  British  empire,  began  to  assume  an 


INTRODUCTION.  1? 

hostile  aspect,  frequent  negotiations  were  com- 
menced, and  as  often  terminated  in  widening  the 
breach  between  the  two  governments* 

The  murder  of  Pierce,  by  order  of  a  British  na$kl 
officer,  although,  from  the  tranquilized,  and  almost 
paralized  state  of  public  feeling,  it  did  not  excite 
the  same  indignation  as  the  massacre  of  Boston 
citizens,  by  British  troops,  before  the  revolutionary 
war,  yet  it  was  no  less  an  outrage  upon  humanity 
and  national  dignity  than  that  barbarous  deed. 

The  constant  impressment  of  American  seamen, 
although  in  its  character  a  less  sanguinary  violation 
of  national  and  individual  rights,  was  a  more  wide- 
ly extended  injury.  "  The  social  body  is  oppressed, 
when  one  of  its  members  is  oppressed. ,?  That 
nation  can  hardly  be  said  to  be  independent,  who 
will  acquiesce  in  an  injury  committed  upon  one  of 
its  citizens  by  another  nation.  It  was  an  aphorism 
of  the  great  Hollander,  De  Witt — "  That  no  inde- 
pendent nation  ought  tamely  to  submit  to  a  breach 
of  equity  and  justice,  from  another,  however  un- 
equal the  powers.*'**  Although  an  injury  to  indi- 
viduals, is  an  injury  to  the  nation ;  jet,  in  the  attack 
upon  the  Chesapeake,  a  national  vessel,  the  national 
dignity  was  directly  insulted.  To  impress  seaman 
from  an  U.  Sa  frigate,  belonging  to  an  infant  navy, 
whose  gallantry  in  the  Mediterranean,  had  excited 
the  admiration,  and  even  the  jealousy  of  Nelson,  - 
produced  a  ferment  in  the  American  Republic 
#  History  of  Holland, 


18  INTRODUCTION. 

which  could  never  subside  until  ample  reparation 
was  obtained. 

The  Orders  in  Council — new  and  unauthorised 
principles  of  blockade,  and  an  invasion  of  the  rights 
of  neutrals,  added  to  the  other  injuries  mentioned, 
and  to  which  might*  be  added  many  more,  compelled 
the  great  council  of  the  Republic  to  resort  to  mea- 
sures more  efficient  than  non-intercourse,  embargoes, 
and  negotiations. 

Facts  will  justify  the  assertion,  that  upon  the 
momentous  question  whether  War  or  Submission 
ghould  be  resorted  to  by  America,  the  American 
people  where  divided  in  opinion  ;  and  this  division 
of  opinion  was  ascertained  by  a  knowledge  of  the 
two  great  political  parties  in  the  Republic.  The 
Republican  party  exclaimed,  with  an  ancient  Ro- 
man, "  Our  voice  is  still  for  War."  The  Federal 
party,  with  another  Roman,  exclaimed,  "  Our 
thoughts,  we  must  confess,  are   turned  to  Peace." 

The  justice,  necessity,  or  expediency  of  the  se- 
cond war  between  the  American  Republic  and  the 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  cannot  be  discussed  in 
ihis  place ;  and  it  might  be  deemed  arrogance 
to  attempt  it  at  all,  at  this  period  of  time.  The 
authorities  who  alone  had  power  "  to  declare  War," 
made  the  declaration  5  and  to  the  American  people 
were  they  responsible  for  the  great  and  important 
-  measure. 


INTRODUCTION,  19 

It  may  not  be  inapposite  to  remark  in  this  place, 
that  a  systematic  opposition  to  government  is  un- 
known in  every  part  of  the  civilized  world,  except- 
ing in  America  and  in  England,  This  does  not 
arise  from  any  deficiency  of  national  feeling ;  for 
no  two  nations  on  earth  are  more  devoted  to  na- 
tional glory  than  Americans  and  Englishmen  ;  but 
it  arises  from  that  jealousy  which  intelligence  and 
an  exalted  sense  of  liberty  always  produces  in  the 
governed  towards  their  governours.  Having  one 
common  origin,  but  no  longer  any  common  inter- 
est, let  the  citizens  of  the  American  Republic, 
and  the  subjects  of  the  British  Monarch,  judge  for 
themselves  which  government  most  consults  the 
happiness  of  the  people,  and  upon  which  side  of 
the  Atlantic  the  greatest  freedom  is  enjoyed. 

Until  the  declaration  of  the  last  war,  the  energy 
of  the  American  constitution  had  never  been  test- 
ed. Under  its  benign  influence  the  people  had 
suddenly  arisen,  from  infancy  to  manhood- — from 
vassalage  to  freedom — from  national  penury  to 
national  wealth.  Its  provisions  were  found  abun- 
dantly adequate  for  the  government  of  a  great 
and  growing  people  in  a  state  of  peace.  The 
jealousy  or  the  fears  of  the  framers  of  this  inim- 
itable compact,  had  restricted  the  military  pow- 
er. It  permitted  the  Captain-general  of  the 
militia  of  the  United  States,  after  proper  advice 
to  call  them  into  action,  to  "  execute  the  laws  of 


20  INTRODUCTION. 

the  union—suppress  insurrections — and  repel  inva- 
sions ;"  and  even  this  limited  power  became  the 
subject  of  animated  discussion. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  war,  we  had  no- 
thing that  gave  any  idea  of  a  Standing  Army* 
Six  thousand  troops  dispersed  over  a  country, 
half  that  number  of  miles  in  length  and  in  width, 
presented  nothing  but  a  fractured  skeleton  of  an  ar- 
my. The  American  militia^  although  perhaps  the 
best  in  the  world,  were  organized  by  the  different 
states ;  from  the  different  state  governments  deri- 
yed  their  authority,  and  had  different  attachments 
and  different  interests.  An  hundred  thousand  of 
them  were  drafted  by  the  national  authority  to  hold 
themselves  in  readiness  to  take  the  field  at  a  mo- 
ment's warning.  But  the  history  of  modern  tactics 
shows  that  the  trade  of  war  is  not  learned  in  a  mo- 
ment. Fifty  thousand  Volunteers  were  invited  to 
enrol  themselves  for  the  public  defence ;  but  the 
amount  and  efficiency  of  this  species  of  force  de- 
pended upon  the  opinion  of  the  people  in  regard  to 
the  justice  of  the  war,  and  of  the  rectitude  of  the 
administration.  Enlistments,  from  which  alone  an 
efficient  army,  for  any  considerable  length  of  time 
be  produced,  were  authorised.  In  some  sec- 
tions of  the  country,  the  best  blood  in  them  was 
aroused  to  patriotism^  and  the  most  distinguished 
citizens  flew  to  the  standard  of  the  Republic.  In 
others,  it  was  considered  a  disgrace  to  aid,  either 


INTRODUCTION.  23 

by  men  or  money,  what  was  openly  pronounced  to 
be  an  "  unjust,  unnatural,  wicked,  and  cruel  zcar.*^ 

From  such  discordant  materials,  was  the  Ameri- 
can army  of  1 8 1 2,  and  1813,  composed.  Although 
the  melancholy  catalogue  of  disasters  in  the  cam- 
paigns of  those  years,  was  occasionally  gilded  by 
achievements  of  resplendent  glory ;  yet,  until  the 
commencement  of  the  campaign  of  1814,  the  Ame- 
rican armies  had  added  but  few  laurels  to  those 
acquired  in  the  war  of  the  revolution.  A  new  era 
in  the  military  history  of  America  then  commenced. 
As  the  gathering  storm,  which  had,  for  two  years, 
hung  over  what  was  deemed  in  Europe  the  devoted 
Republic  of  America,  increased  in  darkness  and 
horror,  the  character  of  the  rising  generation  of 
Americans  developed  itself.  A  constellation  of 
heroes  suddenly  arose  and  illuminated  the  hemis- 
phere of  the  western  world.  They  conquered  gen- 
erals who  had  become  familiar  with  victory  in  the 
old  world — secured  for  their  country  the  indepen- 
dence acquired  in  the  revolution,  and  for  themselves . 
fame,  as  lasting  as  immortality. 

Major  General  ANDREW  JACKSON,  the  sub- 
ject of  the  following  Memoirs,  deservedly  holds  a 
distinguished  rank  amongst  the  veteran  officers  of 
the  American  Republic,  in  the  last  war.  But  while 
almost  every  American  is  anxious  to  join  his  indi- 
vidual note,  to  the  harmonious  concord  of  applause 
bestowed  upon  this  distinguished  chieftain,  few  know 


22  INTKODfcCTION. 

the  arduous  toils,  the  severe  privations,  and  the  ex- 
cessive fatigues,  by  which  he  acquired  his  fame. 
The  writerwill  endeavour,  in  amanneras  perspicuous 
as  he  is  able,  to  do  it  •,  and  from  materials  of  unques- 
tionable authenticity,  to  present  the  reader,  in  the 
following  volume,  abrief  Biography  of  this  American 
Hero.  If  the  delineations  will  not  be  so  minute  as 
they  might  be  in  a  more  voluminous  work,  it  is  hop- 
ed the  prominent  features  of  this  great  man's  life  and 
character,  in  his  civil  and  militarj^career,  will  be 
presented  in  their  proper  light  and  shade. 


MEMOIRS 

OF 

ANDREW  JACKSOK 

CHAPTER  I. 

His  family,  birth,  and  early  pursuits — Enters  into  the 
array  of  the  Resolution— is  captured  by  the  British 
— resists  an  illegal  order  of  a  British  officer — receives 
a  wound,  and  is  committed  to  goal — loses  his  sur- 
viving brother — his  mother  dies  of  grief — he  com- 
pletes his  literary  studies. 

THE  birth-places  of  statesmen,  heroes,  and 
poets,  have  often  been  subjects  of  histuil^^!  kiVcStP" 
gation,  and  not  unfrequently  of  warm  dispute* 
Seven  cities  of  Greece  claimed  the  honour  of  giving 
birth  to  Homer.  Thebirthofillustriousmencertainly 
imparts  a  consequence  to  the  places  of  their  nativity ; 
and  oftentimes  the  only  consequence  they  possess. 
An  English  cmVian  will  visit  the  birth-place  of  Alfred 
— the  soldier  that  of  Marlborough — the  poet  those 
of  Shakespeare  and  Milton,  Americans,  al- 
though comparatively  a  new  people^  can  scarcely 
travel  in  any  section  of  their  extensive  Republic, 
but  they  can  point  to  the  place  where  some  of  its 
great  benefactors  were  born.  The  catalogue  would 
swell  the  volume.  Among  the  first  Sta 
the  world,  might  be  mentioned  the  mem! 


24  MEMOIRS   OP 

Old  Congress, — Among  Heroes,  the  officers  of  the 
"  Army  of  the  Revolution." — Among  Poets,  & 
constellation  of  geniuses,  to  whom  posterity  will 
award  the  meed  of  praise. 

No  sooner  had  ANDREW  JACKSON  began  to 
achieve  those  deeds  of  valour  which  furnished  a 
sure  presage  of  future  eminence,  than  Englishmen, 
and  Scotchmen,  claimed  him  as  a  native-born  subject. 
They  once  claimed  Gen.  Washington.  Irishmen 
omitted  to  assert  their  claim  to  his  nativity  ;  but  he 
was  of  Irish  extraction,  although  born  in  America. 
His  grandfather  was  one  of  the  victims  at  the 
siege  of  Carrickfergus,  in  Ireland  ;  and  all  his  an- 
cestors, being  among  the  humbler  classes  of  Irish- 
men, endured  the  sufferings  which  that  ill-fated  and 
iseH^r  ^opkr  J^ve  long  endured  from  some  of 
the  Irish  nobility,  born  in  the  bosom  of  that  coun- 
try ;  and  from  English  noblqmen  sent  the;  . 
govern  them. 

His  father.  Andrew  Jackson,  emigrated  to  Amer- 
ica with  his  wife  and  two  sons  in  the  year  1 765. 
Desirous  that  his  rising  family  should  escape 
from  the  oppression  of  the  English  government  in 
Europe,  he  came  to  this  country  as  an  asylum^, 
from  the  rod  of  abused  power.  He  landed  at 
Charleston  in  the  state  of  South  Carolina,  and  soon 
after  established  himself  at  a  settlement  formerly 
called    JVaxsaw,  now  the  district  of  Marion. 

His  youngest  son  and  the  subject  of  these  Me- 
was  born  at  that  place  upon  the  15th  March 


ANDREW  JACKSOi\.  Vo 

i  767.  He  began  to  anticipate  a  happy  close  to  the 
evening  of  his  days,  in  his  own  domestic  circle, 
in  a  land  of  freedom.  But  before  the  British  gov- 
ernment commenced  the  same  systematic  oppres- 
sion of  their  subjects  in  their  American  colonies, 
as  they  long  had  exercised  over  its  subjects  in 
Ireland,  death  removed  him  from  the  storm,  which 
soon  after  began  to  hang  over  them.  He  left  an 
unprotected  wife  and  three  young  children  to  en- 
dure the  buffetiings  of  it.  He  died  at  near  the  close 
of  the  year  1767. 

His  surviving  children,  Hugh,  Robert,  and  An- 
drew, became  the  objects  of  the  tender  solicitude 
of  their  mother.  Having  a  small  patrimony  left 
them,  their  mother  with  unceasing  assiduity.-  en- 
deavoured to  procure  for  them  the  rudiments  of 
an  English  education.  Situated  in  a  country  where 
she  could  claim  connection  with  no  human  being 
but  her  three  sons  5  the  eldest  but  little  advanced 
from  infancy,  and  the  youngest  an  infant,  her  situ- 
ation required  the  highest  exercise  of  female  forti- 
tude and  vigilance.  But  having  recently  emigrated 
from  a  country  where  the  few  roll  in  splendour 
through  life,  and  the  many  begin  and  end  it  amidst 
sufferings,  she  felt  animated  at  the  idea  that  she 
was  in  a  country  where  the  rod  of  the  great,  ov 
what  is  worse,  the  rod  of  the  petty  tyrant,  could 
not  reach  her  or  her  offspring. 

For  a    number  of  years,  no    event  happened  to 

disturb  the  tranquility  of  this  venerabie  matron   or 
3 


2ti  MEMOIRS    OF 

her  children.  By  the  judicious  management  of  a 
3mall  estate,  she  was  enabled  to  aid  her  sons  in  the 
prosecution  of  their  studies.  She  omitted  no  oppor- 
tunity to  detail  to  them  the  tragical  scenes  through 
which  their  early  ancestors  had  passed  in  Ireland, 
in  the  stubborn  resistance  they  always  maintained 
against  oppression.  The  youthful  reader  of  histo- 
ry, may  be  made  to  glow  with  indignation  at  the 
tales  of  oppression.  But  the  most  pathetic  de- 
scription of  the  historian,  is  tameness  itself  when 
compared  with  the  relations  of  those  who  have 
themselves  passed  through  the  scenes  of  sufferings 
inflicted  by  dying  man  upon  dying  men.  The  nar- 
rations of  Mrs.  Jackson,  must  have  aroused  the 
Jeelings^  of  her  sons  to  the  highest  pitch  of  enthu- 
siasm against  the  tyrants  who  had  blasted  the  hopes, 
and  destroyed  the  lives  of  their  ancestors.  She 
little  thought,  perhaps,  while  she  was  infusing  into 
the  tender  bosoms  of  her  sons  the  ardour  of  patri- 
otism, that  she  would  live  to  see  two  of  them  fall 
victims  in  its  holy  cause. 

Hugh  and  Robert,  not  being  designed  for  either 
of  the  learned  professions,  obtained  no  other  edu- 
cation than  what  the  common  schools  at  that  period 
afforded.  Andrew,  the  youngest  son,  was,  by  his 
excellent  mother,  designed  for  the  ministry.  In 
the  Waxsaw  settlement,  about  forty  miles  from 
Camden,  was  established  an  academical  institution, 
in  which  the  learned  fanguages,  and  the  higher 
branches  of  education  were  taught.     As  the  in- 


ANDREW  JACKSON*.  2  i 

?tructor  of  Andrew  Jackson,  if  he  be  at  this  time 
in  life,  will  rejoice  in  the  celebrity  of  his  pupil,  it 
is  but  justice  to  remark  that  this  academy,  at  the 
time  he  commenced  his  literary  pursuits,  afforded 
the  best  means  of  instruction  in  the  section  of  the 
country  in  which  he  was  born.  The  Preceptor  of 
it  was  a  Mr.  Humphries,  whose  christian  name  is 
unknown  to  the  writer.  Under  his  tuition,  the 
subject  of  these  memoirs,  having  before  enjoyed 
no  other  advantages  than  what  the  ordinary  schools 
imparted,  began  the  study  of  the  classics.  He  here 
continued  assiduously  to  pursue  his  studies,  until 
the  Vandal  progress  of  the  British  armies,  in  the 
revolutionary  war,  brought  them  to  that  part  of 
South  Carolina  in  which  the  family  of  Jackson 
were  situated. 

Mrs.  Jackson  once  more  beheld  the  arm  of  British 
power  uplifted  in  wrath  over  her  adopted  country, 
as  she  had  b'efore  beheld  it  raised  over  the  land  of 
her  nativity.  The  American  forces  were  compel- 
led, in  that  section  of  the  country,  to  retreat  before 
a  power  which  they  could  not  then  resist.  Her  eld- 
est son  had  before  enrolled  himself  in  the  armies  of 
'the  Republic,  and  lost  his  life  in  its  cause  at  thejbat- 
tle  of  Stono.  Andrew  had  arrived  to  the  age  of 
fourteen  years  ;  and,  w  ith  his  surviving  brother  Rob- 
ert, was  impelled,  by  the  exalted  sentiments  of  lib- 
erty and  independence  which  he  had  learned  from 
bis  mother,  to  fly  to  the  American  standard. 


^8  MEMOIRS    OF 

The  seanty  details  which  are  yet  received  of  the 
revolutionary  contest,  deprives  me  of  the  pleasure 
of  mentioning  the  regiment  and  the  commander  of 
it.  in  which  Andrew  Jackson  commenced  his  mili- 
tary career  at  the  early  age  of  fourteen.  Suffice  it 
to  say,  that  at  that  age,  with  his  only  brother,  Rob- 
ert, he  entered  into  the  American  service  ;  prepar- 
ed, if  such  were  the  decrees  of  fate,  to  follow  their 
elder  brother  into  eternity  in  resisting  tyrannical 
power.  Effectual  resistance,  at  that  period,  was 
impossible  ;  and  the  slender  forces  of  America,  in 
S.  Carolina,  were  compelled  to  retire  before  the 
formidable  power  of  lord  Cornwallis  into  the  interi- 
or of  JV.  Carolina*  This  confident  representative 
of  British  power,  finding  no  force  at  that  time  to 
resist  him,  left  the  country — leaving  behind  him 
the  wide-spread  tracks  of  desolation  in  every  part 
of  it.  The  once  tranquil  and  happy  settlers  of 
Wax  saw  returned  to  a  place  which  was  once  a 
home.  The  deep  marks  of  British  rapacity  were 
visible  in  every  part  of  the  settlement ;  and  the 
effects  of  Vandal  warfare  were  every  where  to  be 
seen. 

Lord  Rawdon  was  in  possession  of  Camden,  and 
no' sooner  learned  that  the  dispersed  inhabitants  of 
Wax  saw  were  again  returned,  than  he  availed  him- 
self of  the  assistance  of  American  tories  to  complete 
their  extirmination.  A  British  major,  by  the  name 
of  Coffin,  was  the  commander  of  this  expedition. 
The  inhabitants,  who  might  all  be  said  to  belong  to 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  29 

the  forlorn  hope,  determined  to  make  at  least  a 
shew  of  resistance.  They  assembled  at  the  Waxsaw 
meeting-house,  to  which  was  attached  the  academy 
of  Mr.  Humphries,  in  which  Andrew  Jackson  had 
devoted  himself  to  literature.  Here  they  awaited 
the  augmentation  of  their  force  by  the  arrival  of 
their  friends,  and  the  expected  approach  of  the  ene- 
my. The  hopes  of  this  resolute  and  patriotic  band 
of  American  heroes  were  elated  at  the  distant  ap- 
proach of  a  body  of  citizens.  At  this  period,  the 
American  troops  could  hardly  be  said  to  have  had  an 
uniform  ;  but  the  well  known  insignia  of  the  British 
troops  enabled  the  people  to  designate  them  at  sight. 
While  the  little  phalanx  of  Waxsaw,  expected  to 
be  joined  by  their  friends,  what  was  their  astonish- 
ment when  they  found  themselves  surrounded  by 
a  ferocious  clan  of  American  tories,  covered  at  a 
little  distance  by  British  dragoons  ?  The  conquest 
was  an  easy  one — resistance  would  have  been  des- 
peration.— Eleven  of  the  Americans  were  captur- 
ed, and  the  rest,  among  whom  were  Andrew 
Jackson  and  his  brother,  escaped,  and  concealed 
themselves  in  the  adjoining  forests. 

Although  this  is  no  place  for  reflections,  yet  no 
opportunity  should  be  unimproved  to  express  the 
ineffable  contempt  and  utter  detestation  in  which 
the  tories,  in  the  revolutionary  struggle,  ought  for 
ever  to  be  holden.  Had  they  merely  joined  the  ' 
British  standard  through  fear  of  its  power,  they 
might  at  least  have  been  entitled  t<?  contemptuous 


3 


* 


;;0  MEMOIRS  OF 

pity  ;  but  when  it  is  remembered  that  they  imbru- 
ed their  hands  in  the  blood  of  their  brethren,  it 
would  be  a  prostitution  of  charity  to  extend  it  to 
them. 

The  next  day  after  this  affair  at  the  Wax  saw 
church,  many  of  the  wandering  heroes  who  escap- 
ed from  it,  were  captured  by  the  British  dragoons  ; 
and  among  them  were  Andrew  Jackson  and  his 
brother  Robert.  Immediately  after  they  were 
taken  prisoners,  an  event  took  place  which  devel- 
oped the  future  character  of  Jackson  ;  ^nd  shewed, 
that  though  a  boy,  he  gave  the  world  "  assurance 
of  the  man."  A  British  officer,  having  in  pursuit 
of  prisoners  soiled  his  boots,  ordered  him  to  clean 
them.  Flushed  with  indignation  at  the  command, 
he  decidedly  refused  to  obey,  and  demanded  the 
treatment  due  to  a  prisoner  of  war.  Enraged  at 
what  would  have  excited  the  admiration  of  a 
generous  bosom,  the  officer,  with  a  drawn  sword, 
made  a  violent  pass  at  Jackson's  head.  Desti- 
tute of  any  weapon  of  defence,  he  parried  the 
stroke  with  his  hand,  in  which  he  received  a  se- 
vere wound.  Thus  early  in  life  did  Jackson  be- 
come a  soldier  of  the  Republic  and  an  unalterable 
entmy  of  Britain.  It  will  be  seen  in  the  sequel 
how  essentially  he  has  served  the  one,  and  how 
completely  he  has  avenged  the  injuries  he  receiv- 
ed from  the  other* 

The  gallant  Jackson  forgot  the  wound  he  receiv- 
ed himself  in  his  solicitude  for  his  brother,  who  re- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  31 

ceived  at  the  same  time  a  much  severer  one  in  the 
head  after  he  was  taken  prisoner.  They  were 
both  committed  to  gaol  with  their  wounds  undres- 
sed ;  and,  what  would  suffuse  the  cheek  of  a  barba- 
rian with  a  blush,  they  were  deprived  of  the  only 
consolation  that  remained — that  of  sympathising 
with,  and  consoling  each  in  their  calamities — they 
were  confined  in  different  apartments  !  They  were 
here  incarcerated  until  exchanged  for  British  pris- 
oners, a  few  of  whom  were  taken  near  Camden. 
The  exchange,  of  these  gallant  youths  was  a  pre- 
sage to  one  of  them  to  exchange  worlds.  The 
wound  of  Robert  proved  mortal ;  not  so  much  from 
its  original  severity,  as  from  the  barbarous  neglect 
of  it  while  in  prison.  It  occasioned  an  inflamma- 
tion in  the  brain  ;  and  very  soon  after  he  obtained 
his  freedom,  death  relieved  him  from  one  of  the 
greatest  calamities  incident  to  man.  The  venera- 
ble mother,  having  laboured  incessantly  for  the  re- 
lief of  the  American  prisoners — having  seen  her 
prospects  of  temporal  happiness  totally  blighted — 
disconsolate  and  broken  hearted,  she  soon  followed 
her  second  son  into  eternity.  She  died  near 
Charleston,  S.  C. 

Andrew  Jackson,  now  a  youth  of  fifteen,  found 
himself  alone  in  the  world.  With  no  being  in  the 
country  in  which  he  was  born,  could  he  claim  affin- 
ity or  relationship.  His  constitution  was  impaired 
by  recent  toil,  and  cruel  imprisonment.  The  an- 
guish he  felt  at  the  fate  of  his  whole  family,  must 


32  memoirs  or 

have  been  excruciating  in  the  extreme.  To  make 
the  full  cup  of  human  calamity  overflow,  he  was  vi- 
olently seized  with  the  small  pox,  which  brought 
him  to  the  very  jaws  of  death,  and  he  narrowly 
escaped  the  grave  to  which  all  his  family  had  been 
consigned. 

The  estate  of  his  father  was  now  in  his  sole  pos- 
session. Although  not  large,  it  was  sufficient,  with 
that  careful  attention,  and  prudent  calculation 
which  a  man  of  mere  monied  business  always  un- 
derstands, to  have  enabled  him  to  complete  his 
education,  and  to  have  had  a  competency  remaining. 
But  Andrew  Jackson  was  not  born  for  the  counting 
room  ;  and  never  thought  of  those  day-book  and 
ledger  calculations  which  are  within  the  reach  of 
the  most  moderate  capacity  ;  but  which  often,  and 
almost  invariably  divert  the  mind  from  the  nobler 
pursuits  of  literary  reputation  and  military  fame. 
These  had  now  become  his  objects.  If  he  had  had 
a  discreet  steward  to  manage  his  estate,  it  would 
have  been  a  pecuniary  advantage  unquestionably  ; 
but  in  his  hands,  it  was  a  sort  of  incumbrance  upon 
his  mind :  and,  until  it  was  removed,  operated  as 
a  check  upon  its  excursions.  At  this  period  of  his 
life;  he  thought  little  of  that  independence,  in  re- 
gard to  money,  which  the  younger  Littleton  em- 
phatically pronounces  "  the  rock  of  life."  With  a 
profusion  at  which  prudence  would  frown,  and  at 
which  gejjius  would  smile,  he  reduced  himself  to 
a   situation  which   compelled   him   to   become — 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 


*•  Quisque,  sucefortuncefaber^ — (in  every  situation, 
fhe  builder  of  his  own  fortune.) 

At  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  he  returned  to  his 
literary  pursuits  ;  making  them  however,  as  it 
would  seem  from  his  subsequent  course,  secondary 
to  his  paramount  desire  for  a  military  life.  His 
second  instructor  was  a  Mr.  M'Culloch.  With 
him  he  renewed  the  study  of  the  languages,  and 
other  studies  preparatory  to  his  entrance  at  an  uni- 
versity. His  attention  was  by  no  means  confined 
to  the  mere  prescribed  duty  enjoined  by  his  pre- 
ceptor. He  was  not  one  of  those  unambitious 
pupils  who  concluded  that  enough  was  done  when 
his  lesson  was  committed  to  memory  ;  and  that  he 
was  a  linguist  and  a  mathematician,  because  he  could 
distinguish  between  a  dactyl  and  a  spondee — be- 
tween a  single  and  a  double  equation.  His  studies 
were  as  diversified  as  the  suggestions  of  his  inclina- 
tion ;  and  he  ventured  to  explore  those  regions  of 
literature  to  which  his  native  genius  pointed  out 
the  avenues.  Such  a  course  of  study  would  never 
have  made  him  a  popular  tutor  in  an  university ; 
but  it  was  calculated  to  make  him  a  general,  if  not 
a  particular  scholar.  He  continued  his  literary 
pursuits  until  he  arrived  to  the  age  of  eighteen. 
Finding  his  patrimony  diminished,  from  expendi- 
tures of  it,  he  relinquished  his  intentions  of  entering 
an  university.  At  the  same  time  he  relinquished 
his  intentions,  if  he  ever  had  any,  of  entering  into 
;i  holy  orders."     It  was  the  wish  of  his  deceased 


34  MEMOIRS  OP 

mother  that  he  might  hecome  a  minister  of  the 
gospel ;  hut  he  was  fully  aware  that  if  he  had  heen 
consecrated  to  that  sacred  profession,  it  would  have 
rendered  it  incompatible  with  his  duties,  to  avenge, 
with  his  sword,  the  injuries  he  and  his  family  had 
sustained  from  it.  Andrew  Jackson  was  brought 
into  existence  to  discharge  other  duties  than  those 
which  belong  to  the  sacred  profession  ;  and  al- 
though the  church  may  regret  that  he  had  not 
brought  his  splendid  talents  into  its  divine  service; 
the  state  and  the  army  may  both  acknowledge  the 
services  he  has  rendered  them,  not  only  with  grati- 
Mide.  but  with  admiration. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  35 


CHAPTER  II. 


Incidents  of  early  life — of  Andrew  Jackson's — He  com- 
mences and  completes  the  study  of  law — Patriotism 
of  American  Lawyers — He  commences  the  practice 
of  law,  and  emigrates  to  the  South-West  Territory 
— is  appointed  Attorney-general — member  of  the 
Tennessee  Convention — a  Representative  in  Congress 
-—a  Senator  in  Congress — a  Judge  of  the  Supreme 
Court  in  Tennessee — and  retirrs  to  private  life. 

IN  the  preceding  chapter,  the  reader  has  beeu 
made  acquainted  with  the  origin  of  Andrew  Jack- 
son— his  early  pursuits,  and  the  most  interesting 
incidents  of  his  juvenile  years.  It  has  been  fre- 
quently remarked,  and  always  with  truth,  that  those 
who  have  distinguished  themselves  in  the  science  of 
war,  have  discovered  the  bias  of  the  mind  to  the 
profession  of  arms  in  the  early  stages  of  life.  The 
biographies  of  the  great  military  and  naval  charac- 
ters of  Europe  furnish  numerous  instances  of  the 
truth  of  this  remark.  At  seventeen,  Bonaparte,  a 
eadet  in  a  military  academy,  in  resentment  of  an  af- 
front, thrust  his  sword  into  a  balloon,  ready  to  as- 
cend for  the  gratification  of  Louis  XVI.  whose 
throne  he  afterwards  occupied.  Nelson,  at  a  still 
earlier  period  of  life,  encountered  a  bear  upon  the 
frozen  ocean.  So  unhappily  deficient  are  the  bio- 
graphical sketches  of  American  worthies,  that  the 
present  generation  know  little  of  the  gigantic  states- 
men and  heroes  who  lived  in  the  last.     The  truth 


36  MEMOIRS  OF 

of  the  remark  is  established  as  it  relates  to  Wash- 
ington and  Putnam.  The  first,  in  early  life,  dis- 
covered the  cool  and  regulated  courage  of  a  great 
commander,  and  the  last,  at  twelve,  when  visiting 
Boston  for  the  first  time,  encountered  and  conquered 
an  ememy  double  his  age  and  size.  He  also  in 
youth  "  carried  the  ring"  at  gymnastic  exercises, 
and  destroyed  a  wolf,  in  his  den,  at  the  hazard  of 
his  own  life.  The  incident  mentioned  of  Jackson, 
is  evincive  of  his  whole  character — he  resisted  the 
exercise  of  unauthorised  power  in  a  British  officer, 
and  demanded  justice  for  himself  and  his  fellow 
prisoners.  When  it  is  considered  that  the  power 
of  the  British  army  was  at  that  time  irresistible — 
that  the  tories  were  numerous — that  they  violated 
all  the  rules  of  civilized  warfare,  and  that  Jackson 
was  less  than  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  subject  to 
all  their  cruelty  and  ferocity,  his  firmness  excites 
admiration. 

In  1784,  he  commenced  the  study  of  law,  under 
the  instruction  and  direction  of  Spruce  M°Cay,  Es- 
quire, at  Salisbury,  North  Carolina.  It  is  but  jus- 
tice to  the  profession  of  law,  to  remark,  that  among 
its  members  in  America  and  England,  have  always 
bt'-ii  found  the  most  energetic  advocates  of  the 
rights  of  the  people.  As  a  corrupt  ministry  have 
encroached  upon  the  constitutional  rights  of  the 
people,  English  and  Irish  advocates  have  thrown  a 
shield  before  the  designated  victims  of  ministerial 
vengeance,  and  persuaded  juries  to  save  their  fellow 


vMjREW    JA(IKm)\. 

men  from  Botany-Bay  and  the  gibbet.  The  names 
of  Erskine  and  Gibbs,  are  dear  to  Englishmen — 
Curran  and  Grattan,  to  Irishmen. 

At   the  commencement  of  the    revolution,  the 
members  of  the  American  bar,  almost  without  ex- 
ception, arranged  themselves  upon  the  side  of  their 
country  ;  and  by  their  examples,  as  well  as  their 
eloquence,  aroused  the  sacred  flame  of  patriotism 
in    the   bosoms   of  their   oppressed   countrymen. 
Their  conduct  drew  from  the  eloquent  Burke,  one 
of  his    finest  encomiums,  in  the  British  house  of 
commons.     To  their  honour  let  it  be  said,  that  at 
the  commencement  of  the  last  war,  which  secured 
the    independence    acquired   by  the   army  of  the 
revolution,   they  again  espoused  the  cause  of  the 
Republic.     They  not  only  thundered  defiance  to 
our  inveterate  enemy,  in  the  Senate,  but  many  pla- 
ced themselves  in  the  embattled  ranks    of  their 
countrymen.    A  number  of  them  fell  victims  to  their 
courage,  whose  memories  will  for  ever  be  cherish- 
ed— a  number  of  them  still  survive,  and  still  grace 
the  army  of  the  Republic.     A  Jackson,  a  Macomb, 
a  Gains,  a  Scott,  and  a  Ripley,  will  not  suffer  by 
a  comparison  with  the  first  soldiers  in  the  univer 
and  it  is  believed  they  were  all  members  of  the  bar 
when  they  entered  the  army.     Mr.  Jackson  com- 
pleted  the  study  of  law  with  John  Stokes,  Enquire, 
and  was  licenced  as  a  practitioner  in  1786,     He 
presented  himself  at  the  bar  at  an  age  when  most 
students  commence  the  study  of  law.     The  part  of 

4 


38  MEMOIRS    OF 

the  country  in  which  he  was  situated,  afforded  but 
a  slender  prospect  of  success;  but  while  it  prevent- 
ed him  from  enjoying  the  profits  of  the  practice,  it 
enabled  him  to  become  more  familiar  with  the  the- 
ory of  law. 

In  1788,  the  course  of  emigration  was  from 
the  Atlantic  states  to  the  waters  of  the  Mississippi. 
The  present  state  of  Tennessee  was  then  a  territorial 
government  of  the  United  States,  called  the  South 
West  Territory,  having  been  recently  organized  by 
Congress.  The  climate  was  salubrious,  the  soil  was 
fertile,  and  it  was  rapidly  emerging  from  a  wilder- 
ness state,  to  a  state  of  civilization.  Mr.  Jackson, 
with  that  spirit  of  adventure  which  is  in  him  a 
striking  characteristic,  resolved  to  leave  a  country 
which  offered  but  few  inducements  to  detain  him 
in  it. 

The  honourable  Judge  M'Nairy  was  appointed 
judge  of  this  territory  in  1788,  and  was  accompa- 
nied by  Mr.  Jackson  to  Nashville,  at  which  place 
they  arrived  in  October  of  that  year,  when  the  first 
supreme  court  was  holden.  He  here  found  himself 
among  a  people  entirely  different  in  manners,  cus- 
toms, and  habits,  from  those  he  had  recently  left.  In 
the  older  states,  where  one  generation  of  inhabitants 
have  followed  another  in  regular  succession,  there 
are  always  some  distinguishing  characteristics  in  the 
whole  population.  But  in  the  new  states,  the  tra- 
veller of  observation  can  hardly  discover  any  es- 
tablished character  in  the  people,  but  that  of  energy 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 

and  personal  independence.  In  those  parts  of  the 
Republic  which  have  been  settled  for  two  centu- 
ries, a  family,  a  monied,  or  a  landed  aristocracy, 
can  always  be  discovered.  The  many  become 
subservient  to  the  few,  and  subjugate  their  minds 
to  those,  who  by  wealth  or  power,  have  obtained 
the  ascendency  over  them.  In  such  a  state  of  so- 
ciety, an  insulated  being,  like  Andrew  Jackson, 
without  the  influence  of  friends  to  aid  him,  or  with- 
out funds  to  procure  them,  can  hardly  hope,  with 
the  most  gigantic  powers,  to  place  himself  in  elligi- 
ble  circumstances.  Far  otherwise  is  the  case  in  the 
new  states.  Drawn  together  from  different  sections 
of  our  extensive  country,  from  motives  of  interest. 
of  power,  or  of  fame,  each  individual  may  almost  be 
said  to  make  a  province  by  himself.  In  such  a  sit- 
uation, the  most  energetic  character  becomes  the 
object  of  the  greatest  popular  favour,  in  this 
sphere  was  Jackson  exactly  calculated  to  move* 
Without  any  intrinsic  advantages  to  promote  his 
advancement,  he  had  to  reiy  solely  upon  intrinsic 
worth  and  decision  of  character,  to  enable  him  to 
rise  rapidly  with  a  rapidly  rising  people. 

The  place  of  his  nativity  could  not  be  recollect- 
ed without  the  most  distressing  association  of  id 
His  whole  family,  excepting  his  father,  who  may  be 
said  to  have  died  a  natural  death,  there  fell  vic- 
tims to  the  ruthless  barbarity  of  British  soldierv. 
who  carried  on  an  unnatural  war  against  their  own 
countrymen,  in  their  own  colonies.     That  attach 


40  MEMOIRS    OF 

ment  to  home,  which  may  be  said  to  constitute  a  pari 
of  our  nature,  must  have  been  alienated  from  the  bo- 
som of  Jackson.  In  the  Waxsazo  settlement,  S.  C. 
he  had  his  birth — there  he  was  a  sad  spectator  of  the 
extinction  of  his  whole  family  ;  and  there  he  all 
but  lost  his  owrn  life.  To  him,  the  plain  of  Waxsaw. 
with  all  its  charms,  must  have  been  as  cheerless  as 
i hat  of  Golgotha  to  the  ancients. 

He  commenced  the  practice  of  law  in  the  South 
West  Territory,  at  the  age  of  little  more  than  twen- 
ty one  years  ;  and  although  the  district  contained 
many  aspiring  young  men  who  had  already  em- 
igrated there  to  share  the  honours  of  the  new 
government,  and  the  profits  of  business,  Mr.  Jack- 
son soon  rendered  himself  distinguished  among 
those  who  were  "  themselves  conspicuous  there.*1* 
The  unyielding  integrity  of  his  character,  and  his 
unceasing  attention  to  business,  soon  introduced  him 
to  the  notice  of  the  government;  and  he  was  appoint- 
ed Attorney-General  of  the  territory.  This  office 
he  continued  to  sustain  with  great  reputation  to 
himself,  and  with  essential  advantage  to  the  digni- 
fied and  impartial  administration  of  justice  for  many 
years. 

In  1796,  the  South  West  Territory  was  admitted 
as  a  sovereign  and  independent  state  into  the  Amer- 
ican Union,  by  the  name  of  the  State  of  Tennessee  ; 
being  the  sixteenth  star 'that  was  added  to  the  Amer- 
ican Constellation.  The  citizens  were  called  upon 
to  exercise  the  first  great  act  of  self-government — 


A:;drew  jackson\  41 

that  of  forming  a  constitution  as  the  supreme  law  of 
the  state.  Mr.  Jackson  was  chosen  a  member  of 
the  convention  called  to  discharge  this  important 
duty.  Although  he  had  become  known  to  the  most 
distinguished  citizens  of  the  country,  his  exertions 
in  this  convention,  brought  him  into  more  universal 
notice,  by  the  laborious  part  he  took  in  the  inter- 
esting discussions  upon  this  momentous  subject. 
The  course  of  his  studies  had  previously  led  him  to 
investigate  minutely  the  subject  of  government, 
from  the  earliest  ages  down  to  the  close  of  the  eigh- 
teenth century.  With  the  rise,  progress,  and  ter- 
mination of  the  ancient  Republics,  he  had  made 
himself  familiarly  acquainted.  He  had  witnessed 
the  operation  of  the  American  Constitution,  and 
those  of  the  different  states  for  a  number  of  years. 
With  a  mind  thus  prepared  to  meet  the  important 
discussion,  he  took  the  lead  in  the  debates  upon 
the  different  articles  of  the  proposed  constitution, 
To  those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  constitution 
of  the  stale  of  Tennessee,  it  will  be  seen  with 
what  precision  the  Legislative,  the  Executive,  and 
Judiciary  powers  are  disignated — with  what  care 
the  civil  rights  of  the  people  are  secured — and 
what  unlimited  freedom  the  rights  of  conscience 
may  be  enjoyed. 

The  people  of  Tennessee,  as  a  mark  of  the  con- 
fidence they  placed  in  Mr.  Jackson,  elected  him 
their  first  representative  in  the   Congress  of  the 
United  States*     He  was  a  new  member  c 
4* 


42  MEMOIRS  OP 

tional  legislature,  and  was  surrounded  by  a  body 
of  statesmen  who  have  scarcely  been  equalled,  and 
certainly  never  have  been  excelled,  since  the  adop- 
tion of  the  American  Constitution.  If,  owing  to  that 
modesty  which  is  always  a  concomitant  with  real 
greatness,  he  did  not  immediately  shine, his  constitu- 
ents, the  next  year,  ( 1 797,)  raised  him  to  the  high  and 
responsible  station  of  a  Senator  of  Congress.  It  was 
during  his  congressional  life,  that  the  two  great 
political  parties  of  the  Republic  were  in  array 
against  each  other.  He  was  a  Republican  ;  and  of 
course  in  the  minority.  Although  no  man  ever 
more  cheerfully  submitted  to  authority  when  pro- 
perly exercised,  yet  he  never  could  be  brought  to  be 
a  minor  actor  in  the  plots  of  political  intrigue — and 
to  be  a  leader  in  political  machinations,  his  habits 
and  principles  rendered  him  totally  unqualified. 
He  resigned  his  seat  in  the  senate  in  1799,  and 
returned  to  Tennessee,  with  the  government  of 
which  he  had  now  become  identified. 

He  wras  now  called  upon  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  an  important  office  under  the  constitution  and 
laws  of  the  state,  in  the  establishment  of  which,  he 
taken  so  important  a  part.  In  1799,  he  was 
appointed  a  judge  of  the  supreme  court.  This  ap- 
pointment was  bestowed  upon  him  without  his 
knowledge,  contrary  to  his  wishes,  and  very  much 
opposed  to  his  inclination.  After  discharging  the 
duties  of  it  for  a  short  period,  he  resigned  it,  and 
retired  to  his  delightful  real  estate  upon  the  bank* 


ANDREW  JACKSON  43 

of  the  Cumberland  river,  where  for  a  number  of 
years  he  enjoyed,  in  the  bosom  of  his  family,  that 
domestic  felicity  which  is  always  produced  by  at- 
tachment for  private,  worth,  mingled  with  respect 
for  dignity  of  character.  From  the  citizens  with 
whom  he  was  located,  he  invariably  received  every 
demonstration  of  respectful  attachment,  and  grate- 
ful acknowledgement,  which  a  people,  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  temporal  felicity,  usually  bestow  upon  the 
benefactor  who  had  secured  it  for  them.  In  Mr. 
Jackson,  although  he  had  scarcely  reached  the  mid- 
dle age  of  life,  the  people  recognized  a  political 
father,  who  had  ever  discovered  more  solicitude  for 
their  political  rights,  and  individual  happiness,  than 
for  his  own  emolument  or  aggrandizement. 


44  memoirs  or 


CHAPTER  III. 


Mr.  Jackson's  career  in  civil  life — commencement  of 
his  Military  career-— Major-general  of  Tennessee  Mi- 
litia— Militia  forces — American  savages—  Reason  for 
their  hatred  and  vengeance  against  Anglo  Americans. 
Religious  fanaticism  among  ihem--The  Prophet  Fran- 
cis, and  his  brother  Tecumseh — Effect  of  their  assu- 
med divinity— Tender  of  Gen.  Jackson,  and  his  Vo- 
lunteers to  the  government  of  the  U.  States. 

AT  the  close  of  the  last  chapter,  the  reader  found 
the  subject  of  these  memoirs  in  a  situation,  above 
all  others  the  best  calculated  for  the  enjoyment  of 
temporal  felicity — with  an  estate  abundantly  com- 
petent, without  being  so  overgrown  as  to  excite 
solicitude — in  a  family  circle,  where  every  affection- 
ate sentiment  was  cordially  reciprocated,  and  sur- 
rounded by  extensive  acquaintances  who  loved  him 
for  his  affability,  respected  him  for  his  dignity,  and 
venerated   him  for  his  exalted  patriotism. 

Hitherto  the  attention  of  Mr.  Jackson  had  been 
almost  exclusively  confined  to  the  pursuits  of  civil 
fife.  Although  the  duties  of  it  are  oftentimes  ar- 
duous, and  the  difficulties  sometimes  inextricable, 
vet  he  had  moved  through  it  with  incalculable  ben- 
efit to  his  country,  and  with  undivided  approbation 
to  himself.  The  history  of  our  country  scarcely 
affords  an  instance  of  an  individual,  who  has,  so 
early  in  life,  been  called  to  fill  so  many  important 
offices  in  such  rapid  succession.  At  twenty-two,  At- 
torney-general of  a  district — at  twenty-nine,  mem- 


ANDREW  JACKSOX.  43 

# 

ber  of  convention  to  form  a  constitution — at  the 
same  age,  a  representative  in  Congress- — at  thirty, 
a  Senator  in  Congress,  and  at  thirty-two,  a  Judge 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  an  independent  State. 

Thus  far  in  life,  Mr.  Jackson  had  reaped  a  rich 
reward  for  his  devotion  to  his  country,  in  the  ap- 
plause bestowed  upon  him  by  his  countrymen*. 
Had  he  been  disposed  to  have  lived  in  his  delight- 
ful retirement,  and  to  have  been  a  spectator  of  the 
sufferings  his  fellow-citizens  were  called  to  en- 
dure from  a  christian  and  a  savage  foe.  he  would 
indeed  have  ended  his  days  without  the  splendid 
glory  which  is  now  attached  to  his  name ;  yet  he 
would  have  also  escaped  from  the  acrimonious 
censure,  and  illiberal  abuse  of  those  who  envy  him 
his  reputation,  and  vainly  endeavour  to  rob  him  of 
his  hard-earned  fame. 

However  brilliant  has  been  the  career  of  Mr. 
Jackson  in  civil  life,  it  is  almost  forgotten  by  the 
renown  he  has  acquired  by  military  achievements. 
To  the  great  mass  of  his  countrymen,  he  is  known 
only  as  a  distinguished  military  character.  It  wili 
be  the  object  of  the  remaining  part  of  this  work 
to  present  the  reader  with  a  view  of  his  military 
career. 

The  same  year  that  the  state  of  Tennessee  wa* 
admitted  into  the  union,  (1796,)  Mr.  Jackson  was 
appointed  Major-general  of  the  militia  of  that  State. 
As  the  whole  of  its  militia  was  then  embraced  in 
one   division.  Gen,  Jackson  was   the  actual  com* 


JIEMOIRS  OF 


mander  in  chief  of  the  whole  military  force  oi 
the  state  ;  as  it  is  unusual  for  the  governours  of 
the  states,  who  are  ex  officio,  Captain-generals,  to 
command  in  person.  But  for  many  years  before 
the  commencement  of  the  last  war,  the  command 
of  a  Major-general  was  rather  nominal  than  real — 
a  whole  division  being  seldom  called  out  together. 
But  upon  Gen.  Jackson,  the  people  depended  for 
an  efficient  organization  of  their  military.force. 

Without  derogating  at  all  from  the  high  reputa- 
tion of  the  militia  of  the  American  Republic,  pro- 
bably the  most  efficient  in  the  world,  the  history  of 
our  country  will  justify  the  remark,  that  it  is  a  spe- 
cies of  force  that  cannot  be  relied  upon,  excepting 
in  sudden  emergencies.  In  the  revolutionary  war, 
notwithstanding  the  imperfections  of  their  organi- 
zation, they  certainly  aided  essentially  in  establish- 
ing our  independence.  But  how  often,  during  that 
portentous  period,  was  the  Commander  in  Chief, 
and  other  commanders,  left  wTith  an  handful  of 
"Continental  Troops,"  to  wander  through  a  coun- 
try where  a  regiment  of  miiitia  could  scarcely  be 
raised,  to  take  the  Ge!d  for  any  length  of  time  ? 
They  might  be  brought,  from  the  principles  of 
self-preservation,  to  defend  their  home,  and  to  re- 
pel an  enemy  from  their  immediate  neighbourhood  w 
but  could  with  difficulty  be  brought  to  follow  the 
argntiy  desperate  fortune  of  the  Chief  to  a  dis- 
tant portion  of  the  country.  Had  not  the  "  Con- 
tinental Army"  been  organized,  and  been  brought 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  47 

to  consider  themselves  as  soldiers  of  the  wholt 
American  Republic — Cornzvallis  might  have  ul- 
timately surrendered — but  it  is  doubtful  whether 
Washington  would  have  conquered  him  in  1 781. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  last  war,  the  mi- 
litia of  the  United  States  had  enjoyed  a  period  of 
peace  for  thirty  years.  The  acts  of  Congress,  aad 
of  the  individual  states,  made  every  possible  salutary 
provison  to  give  to  that  force  respectability  and  effi- 
ciency. This  body  then  consisted  of  eight  hundred 
thousand  men  ;  an  hundred  thousand  of  whom  were 
drafted  for  the  service  of  the  United  States.  The 
collisions  between  the  state  governments  and  that 
of  the  Union — the  jealousies  between  the  officers 
of  the  army  and  those  of  the  militia,  are  within  the 
recollection  of  every  reader  ;  but  the  detail  belongs 
more  properly  to  The  History  of  the  Second  War  be- 
tzvetn  the  American  Republic  and  the  Kingdom  of 
Great  Britain,  than  to  The  Memoirs  of  Major  Gen- 
eral Jackson, 

In  181 2,  Gen.  Jackson,  being  still  major-gene- 
ral of  the  Tennessee  militia,  was  called  by  the 
dictates  of  patriotism,  and  his  ardent  love  of  his 
country,  to  espouse  its  cause  in  the  fi 'eld,  as  he  had 
spent  much  of  his  life  in  advocating  its  interests  io 
the.  cabinet.  With  the  sagacity  of  a  statesman, 
and  with  the  feelings  of  a  patriot,  he  had  lor*g«eea 
a  storm  gathering  over  his  beloved  country.  He 
had  seen  one  Republic  after  another  fall  in  Europe, 
before  the  tremendous  power  of  the  ■*  Allied  Sovo- 


48  MEMOIRS  or 

reigns."  He  had  seen  the  best  and  the  last  hopes 
of  man  blasted  and  almost  annihilated  in  Europe, 
by  the  uplifted  arm  of  despotic  power.  He  had 
seen  the  British  government,  from  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Pitt  administration,  to  that  period,  the 
head  of  this  "  holy  alliance"  offensive  and  defensive 
against  the  rights  of  man.  He  had  seen  that  pow- 
er, from  year  to  year,  encroaching  upon  the  inde- 
pendence which  the  American  Republic  compelled 
them  to  acknowledge  in  1783.  He  had  seen  the 
pacific  policy  of  the  American  government,  resort- 
ing to  negotiation  after  negotiation,  met  by  the 
increasing  insolence  of  the  arrogant  Court  of  St. 
James.  He  had  not  only  seen,  but  he  and  the 
people  of  Tennessee  had  for  many  years,  felt,  the 
effect  of  British  and  Spanish  influence  over  the 
Creek,  the  most  ferocious  and  warlike  tribe  of  In- 
dians upon  the  continent.  For  many  years  this 
tribe  carried  on  a  predatory  warfare  against  the  set- 
tlements in  Tennessee,  especially  upon  the  Cum- 
berland river,  upon  which  general  Jackson  resided. 
He  and  the  people,  without  any  aid  from  the  gen- 
eral government,  had  defended  themselves  from 
the  frequent  incursions  of  this  insidious  and  barba- 
rous foe.  In  this  way,  the  people  of  Tennessee 
had  learned  the  horrors  of  Indian  warfare  from 
their  own  sufferings. 

The  history  of  the  world  scarcely  furnishes  a 
parallel  with  the  sufferings  of  tlK  Europeans  upon 
ihe  continent   of  America.     Nor  does  it  furnish 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  49 

a  parallel  with  the  injuries  which  the  native  Amer- 
icans have  sustained  from  Europeans.     The    con- 
quest  of  South    America,  by  the    Spaniards,   was 
marked  with  more  sanguinary  violations  of  the  rights 
of  humanity,  than  any  conquest  from  that  of  Canaan 
to  the  nineteenth  century  of  the  christian  era.     As 
little  as  we  know  of  its  blood-stained  history,  we 
have,   from  infancy,  wept  over  the   calamities    of 
the  Incas   of  Peru,  and  of  the   countless   legions 
of  their  unhappy   subjects.     Through  the  eye   of 
history,    we  see  the  powerful  agents  of  his   most 
Catholic  majesty  arrive  among  these  happy  natives. 
With  an  exterminating  sword  in  one  hand,  and  with 
^ie  word  of  God  in  the  other,  these  early  mission- 
aries  demanded   the    immediate  conversion    of  a 
whole  people  to  Christianity.     The  artless  sons    of 
nature,    who   supposed   the  most  splendid    object 
was  the  fittest  one  to  be  adored,  offered  their  ado- 
ration to  the  Sun.     They  could  not  adore  an  in- 
visible being,  who  made  no  impression  upon  their 
senses.     An  army  with  the  weapons  of  destruction 
and  death,  was  ready  to  aid  the  priest-hood  in  the 
work  of  conversion.     One  Inca,  fell  with  his  nation 
after  another,  with  their  inexhaustible  treasures,  4feft 
into  the  hands    of  christian  Spaniards,  and  at  this 
time  the  aborigines  of  S.  America  scarcely  have 
an  existence. 

In  North  America,  the  acqusitions  of  Europeans 
were  attended  with  circumstances  less  bloody  . 
but  the  natives  were  compelled  by  arms,   or  by 

5 


60  MEMOIRS  OF 

contracts  enforced  by  them,  to  retire  as  they  ad- 
vanced in  settlements.  The  tomahawk  and  the 
arrow,  were  feeble,  compared  with  fire  arms  and 
bayonets.  Although  they  were  compelled  to  sur- 
render their  territory,  their  native  pride  and  heroic 
courage  was  never  subjugated.  They  retired  be- 
fore their  conquerors  ;  and  as  their  territory  was 
wrested  from  them  by  fraud,  or  by  force,  and  as 
their  numbers  were  diminished  by  disease,  and  by 
war,  their  vengeance  against  their  spoilers  increas- 
ed. But  one  sentiment  prevailed  among  them 
from  the  Isthmus  of  Darien  to  the  North-West  coast 
— from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Western  ocean.  The 
broken  remnants  of  some  few  tribes  have  indeed 
been  brought  to  bury  the  hatchet  ;  but  they  never 
have  been,  and  probably  never  will  be,  cordially 
reconciled  to  the  white  population.  The  hostile 
savages  by  privations  the  most  severe,  by  tortures 
the  most  cruel,  and  by  deaths  the  most  horrible, 
still  wreak  their  vengeance  upon  the  descendants 
of  those  who  first  invaded  their  native  soil. 

In  about  the  year  1810,  a  blind  religious  fanata- 
cism  was  added  to  the  natural  ferocity  of  the  Amer- 
ican savages.  A  Prophet  arose  among  them,  and  clai- 
med divine  power,  derived  directly  from  the  Great 
Spirit.  This  immense  accession  to  human  power, 
was  no  less  calculated  to  fascinate  savages,  than  it 
ever  has  been  to  excite  the  veneration  of  that  part 
ef  mankind  who  claim  to  be  civilized.     The  Amer- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  5.1 

ican  Savage,  Frayicis,  had  as  many  claims  to  the 
characte  r  and  the  inspiration  of  a  Prophet,  as  the 
Asiatic  civilian,  Mahomet ;  and  had  he  possessed 
equal  power  to  make  conquests  and  converts,  under 
the  banners  of  divinity,  he  might  hereafter  have 
had  as  many  followers.  But  Gen.  Harrison  dis- 
robed him  of  his  divinity  at  Tippacanoe,  in  1811, 
and  his  brother  Tecnmseh,  fled  to  the  southern 
tribes  upon  the  Alabama,  early  in  the  year  1812, 
to  inspire  the  savages  there  to  act  in  concert  with 
their  red  brethren  in  the  north.  But  nothing  in-» 
spired  the  Creek,  Alabama,  and  Siminole  Indians  so 
much  as  British  and  Spanish  gold,  British  muskets, 
and  British  promises.  With  their  hereditary  hatred 
against  Americans,  (or  the  citizens  of  the  United 
States,)  added  to  the  enthusiasm  excited  by  Tecum-  • 
seh,  and  the  liberal  aid  of  the  British  and  Spanish 
governments,  these  powerful  tribes,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  last  war,  were  prepared  to  spread 
havock,  devastation,  torture,  and  death,  among 
the  Americans  who  bordered  upon  their  territory. 
The  states  of  Tennessee  and  Georgia,  from  their 
vicinity  to  the  immense  country  inhabited  by  the 
Creeks,  were  more  immediately  exposed  to  the 
horrid  ravages  of  Indian  warfare.  Familiarized  to 
their  unrelenting  barbarity,  the  citizens  of  Georgia 
and  Tennessee  were  fully  aware,  that  nothing  but  a 
war  of  extermination  against  the  Creeks,  would 
protect  their  own  settlements  on  the  frontiers,  from 
destruction,  and  their  families  from  wanton  barbari- 


52  MEMOIRS  OF 

ty.  Tecumseh  had,  by  his  art,  his  eloquence,  and 
his  assumed  divinity,  infused  into  the  Creek  nation, 
the  most  implacable  hatred  against  the  Americans* 
He  addressed  himself  to  their  pride,  by  reminding 
them  of  the  ancient  power  of  the  savages,  and  the 
boundless  extent  of  their  territory.  He  aroused 
their  vengeance  against  Americans,  as  the  people 
who  had  reduced  their  numbers,  and  diminished 
their  greatness.  He  censured  them  for  any  con- 
formity, in  any  respect,  to  the  Americans,  and  ex- 
horted them,  upon  the  dreadful  penalty  of  the  dis- 
pleasure of  the  Great  Spirit,  to  return  wholly  to  the 
savage  state.  The  preaching  of  Saint  Bernard  and 
Peter  the  Monk,  had  not  a  greater  effect  upon  the 
Christians  of  Europe,  when  they  exhorted  them  to 
raise  a  crusade  against  the  infidels,  than  did  that  of 
Tecumseh  upon  the  Creek,  the  Alabama,  and  Si- 
minole  Indians.  A  complete  concert  was  estab- 
lished between  all  the  southern  tribes,  and  a  general 
concert  between  them  and  the  northern  ones. 
War  clubs  were  every  where  distributed — but  the 
most  profound  secrecy  was  enjoined.  Tecumseh 
had  warranted  the  interposition  of  the  Great  Spirit, 
and,  what  he  had  much  better  authority  for  doing, 
that  of  Great  Britain,  in  favour  of  the  savages. 

The  confidence  of  the  savages,  in  the  success 
that  would  attend  them  and  their  christian  allies, 
the  British,  was  effectually  confirmed.  It  was  an 
established  principle  with  them  to  give  no  quarters 
nor  to  ask  any.     Pursuant  to  this  system,  they  hadi 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  53 

before  the  commencement  of  the  last  war,  murdered 
many  families  upon  the  frontiers  of  Georgia,  and 
Tennessee,  and  seemed  resolved  to  extirpate  the 
Americans,  or   be  exterminated  themselves. 

This  brief  sketch  may  be  deemed  a  digression  ; 
but  I  considered  it  necessarjr  to  prepare  the  mind 
of  the  reader  for  the  succinct  account  which  will 
follow,  of  the  part  taken  by  Gen.  Jackson  in  the 
sanguinary  war  carried  on  by  him  and  the  gallant 
army  under  his  command  against  the  Creeks. 

The  act  of  Congress,  of  1812,  authorizing  the 
raising  of  a  Volunteer  Corps,  of  fifty  thousand  men. 
to  serve  one  year  within  tzvo  years  after  they  were 
organized,  induced  Gen.  Jackson  to  address  the 
gallant  sons  of  Tennessee  belonging  to  his  division. 
Perhaps  no  man  in  the  American  Republic  could  ad- 
dress his  fellow-citizens,  with  more  confidence  of 
success,  than  Gen.  Jackson — certain  it  is  that  n© 
one  addressed  them  so  successfully.  In  a  very 
short  time,  he  found  his  standard,  at  Nashville,  sur- 
rounded by  twenty-five  hundred  men,  among  whom 
were  many  of  the  first  families,  and  of  the  greatest 
fortunes.  It  was  not  that  wordy  and  paper  patriot- 
ism which  filled  many  of  the  journals  of  the  day 
with  inflated  resolutions,  pledging  to  the  Republic  the 
u  lives,  fortune,  and  honour,"  of  those  who  passed 
them.  These  men  came  in  person  to  serve  their 
country,  rather  than  in  a  town-meeting,  to  resolve 
that  they  would  do  it.  Gen.  Jackson  voluntarily 
offered  his  service  to  his  country,  instead  of  solicit 


.34  MEMOIRS  OF 

ing  an  office  from  its  government.  The  General  and 
his  army  of  Volunteers,  made  a  tender  of  their  ser- 
vices to  government,  and  in  November  1812,  were 
accepted,  and  became  a  part  of  the  national  force. 
When  this  corps  of  Volunteers  was  organized, 
they  little  thought,  perhaps,  what  arduous  duty 
would  be  allotted  to  them  ;  and  had  they  anticipa- 
ted it,  the  glory  they  afterwards  acquired,  would 
hardly  have  been  thought  a  sufficient  reward  for 
the  excessive  fatigues  and  hazards  they  endured 
in  acquiring  it.  Their  achievements  shall  be  re- 
corded with  scrupulous  regard  to  accuracy,  and 
their  aberrations  from  duty  shall  be  mentioned  with 
all  the  delicacy  that  is  consistent  with  truth. 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 


CHAPTER   IV. 


Gen.  Jackson  and  Tennessee  Volunteers — Importance  of 
the  river  Mississippi — Mr.  Monroe's  solicitude  for  the 
security  of  it,  and  the  Western  States — Volunteers 
rendezvous  at  Nashville,  Tenn. — descend  the  Ohio 
and  Mississippi — encamp  at  Natchez — Order  for  their 
discharge  from  Mr.  Armstrong — disobeyed  by  Gen. 
Jackson — Volunteers  return  to  Tennessee,  and  are 
discharged — Approbation  of  the  government. 

THE  avidity  arid  promptitude  with  which  the  large 
and  respectable  Corps  of  Tennessee  Volunteers 
resorted  to  the  standard  of  their  beloved  *ajid  res- 
pected commander,  Andrew  Jackson,  was  a  sure 
presage  of  the  gallantry  with  which  they  would  sup- 
port the  independence,  rights,  and  honour  of  the* 
Republic  against  a  savage  and  implacable  foe  upon 
the  borders  of  their  native  state,  and  against  the 
most  powerful  and  veteran  nation  in  Europe,  now 
in  alliance  with  them. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  last  war,  it  was 
impossible  for  the  government  to  determine  upon 
what  part  of  our  extended  sea-board,  the  na- 
val forces  of  Britain  would  first  attempt  to  make 
a  demonstration  $  or  upon  what  part,  of  our  frontier 
its  armies  would  attempt  to  invade  our  territory. 
The  immense  importance  of  the  command  of  the 
Mississippi,  and  its  tributary  streams,  could  not  es- 
cape the  attention  of  either  the  American  or  British 
governments.     Every  exertion  .therefore  of  the  one 


56  MEMOIRS    OF 

to  retain,  and  of  the  other  to  acquire  it,  might  well 
be  expected.  The  lower  states  and  territories  si- 
tuated upon  this  important  river,  attracted  the  early 
attention  of  government,  and  induced  the  most  effi- 
cient measures  for  their  defence. 

Mr.  Monroe,  for  some  time  previous,  and  during 
the  whole  war,  was  a  member  of  the  American 
Cabinet.  As  ambassador  of  the  American  Repub- 
lic, at  the  court  of  France,  he  had  negotiated  the 
treaty  for  the  accession  of  Louisiana  to  the  United 
States  ;  and  must  have  felt  a  deep  solicitude  in  the 
rising  importance  of  the  Western  States.  He  wag 
aware,  that  without  the  command  of  the  Mississippi, 
they  would  loose  their  future  importance,  and  be 
at  present  subjected  to  the  rapacity  of  British  sol- 
diery, and  the  horrors  of  savage  warfare.  Although 
the  war  department,  until  the  campaign  of  1814, 
was  not  under  his  immediate  control,  and  although 
he  was  not  directly  implicated  in  the  disasters  of 
those  of  1812,  and  1813  ;  he  nevertheless,  as  one 
of  the  first  officers  in  the  Cabinet,  felt  a  high  de- 
gree of  responsibility.  In  regard  to  the  Mississippi 
river,  as  he  may  almost  be  said  to  have  acquired  it 
for  his  country,  he  must  have  felt  a  deep  interest  in 
securing  the  incalculable  benefits  arising  to  the  Re- 
public, especially  to  the  Western  States,  from  the 
exclusive  command  of  it. 

The  Tennessee  Volunteers,  under  the  command 
©f  Gen.  Jackson,  at  the  close  of  the  year  1812, 
were  ordered  to  proceed  down  the  Ohio  and  Missis- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  ol 

sippi,  for  the  defence  of  the  lower  states  against  an 
expected  attack  of  the  British  forces.  The  deep 
laid  plot  of  the  Indians  already  mentioned,  was  not 
yet  ready  for  execution  ;  nor  were  the  American 
settlers  exposed  to  their  immediate  ravages,  excited 
to  make  any  but  the  ordinary  preparations  of  de- 
fence against  these  insidious,  cruel,  and  infernal 
enemies.  The  Creeks  were  apparently  indifferent 
spectators  to  the  contest  which  had  now  commen- 
ced between  the  American  Republic,  and  the  king- 
dom of  Great  Britain. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  year  1813,  Gen.  Jackson 
and  his  fine  corps  of  Tennessee  Volunteers,  having 
previously  rendezvoused  at  Nashville,  in  Tennessee, 
situated  upon  the  south  bank  of  Cumberland  river, 
prepared  to  execute  the  orders  received  to  descend 
the  Ohio  and  Mississippi.  Although  situated  in  a 
mild  and  salubrious  climate,  enduring  but  little  se- 
verity in  comparison  with  the  more  frigid  regions 
of  the  northern  states,  the  country  at  this  time  wag 
covered  with  snow,  and  the  navigation  of  the  Ohio 
and  Mississippi  was  obstructed  and  rendered  diffi- 
cult and  hazardous  by  ice. 

The  Volunteers  had  thus  far  enjoyed  the  anima- 
ting splendour  of  military  life,  but  were  yet  unac- 
quainted with  its  toils,  fatigues,  and  privations.  Up- 
on the  7th  January  1813,  headed  in  person  by  a 
leader  whom  they  esteemed  as  an  accomplished 
commander,  ar<d  an  affectionate  guardian,  they  com- 
menced an  expedition,  in  which  they  hoped  to  ren- 


2%  MEMOIRS  OP 

der  essentia]  service  to  their  country,  which  they 
loved  better  than  they  did  their  lives,  and  to  acquire 
for  themselves  the  reputation  of  patriotic  soldiers. 
Animated  by  the  example  of  Gen.  Jackson,  they 
endured  the  hardships  of  a  long  and  tedious  passage, 
without  a  murmur,  and  submitted  to  the  discipline 
indispensibly  necessary  in  an  army,  without  the  least 
appearance  of  insubordination.  They  arrived  at 
Natchez^  about  three  hundred  miles  above  New 
Orleans,  where  they  were  ordered  to  rendezvous 
until  further  orders. 

Gen.  Jackson,  having  selected  the  most  judicious 
situation  for  the  encampment  of  his  army,  here 
commenced  the  arduous  and  difficult  duty  of  chang- 
ing citizens  to  soldiers.  The  Tennessee  Volunteers 
had  seen  nothing  of  military  life,  except  the  easy 
and  pleasurable  duty  usually  performed  by  militia  in 
time  of  peace,  and  occasional  excursions  against 
small  parties  of  savages.  Had  they  enlisted  into 
the  army  of  the  Republic,  received  a  liberal  bounty 
from  its  treasury,  and  been  certain  of  regular  pay- 
ment of  wages  while  in  service,  and  a  valuable  tract 
of  land  when  discharged  ;  a  cheerful  submission  to 
military  discipline  might  have  been  expected,  and 
&  necessary  one  enforced.  These  patriotic  Volun- 
teers thought  little  of  a  pecuniary  reward  j  but 
were  inspired,  by  the  impulse  of  patriotism,  to*be-  M 
come  disciplined  soldiers  out  of  principle. 

But  no  sooner  had  they  began  to  learn  the  duties 
®f  the  camp,  and  to  acquire  the  science  of  war. 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  h% 

than  an  order  from  the  war-department  was  re- 
ceived by  Gen.  Jackson,  commanding  him  "  to  dis- 
miss his  Volunteers,  and  deliver  all  public  property 
in  his  possession  to  Major-general  Wilkinson,"  then 
commanding  the  military  district  in  which  they 
were  stationed.  Mr.  Armstrong  was  then  Secretary 
at  War.  It  is  not  for  the  historian  or  the  bio- 
grapher to  enquire  into  motives,  or  to  impeach  them; 
but  when  the  fact  is  stated  that  this  order  bore  date 
the  5th  of  January,  1813,  two  days  before  Gen. 
Jackson  moved  with  his  forces  from  Nashville,  and 
was  not  received  until  sometime  after  he  estab- 
lished his  cantonment  at  Natchez,  almost  five  hun. 
dred  miles  below,  the  reader  may  well  exclaim,  in 
the  language  of  the  Prince  of  the  Drama, — "  there 
is  a  spirit  in  the  affairs  of  state,  which  nor  tongue, 
nor  pen,  can  give  expressure  to" 

A  compliance  with  this  order  would  have  been  an 
abandonment  of  his  corps^  Although  among  them 
were  many  men,  possessed  ol  ample  funds  and  ade- 
quate means,  to  travel  half  a  thousand  miles  to  their 
homes,  yet  they  little  thought,  when  they  entered 
the  service  of  their  country,  that  they  should  be  s© 
soon  compelled  to  expend  their  wealth,  as  well  as  ex- 
pose their  lives  and  health  in  its  defence.  A  very  great 
dumber  were  wholly  destitute  of  the  means  of  subsis- 
tence, and  depended  wholly  upon  the  public  stores 
in  their  possession  for  the  support  of  life  while  in 
camp,  and  upon  their  return  march  through  a  coun- 
try,  either  very   thinly  inhabited  or  a  wilderness 


60  MEMOIRS  OF 

A  third  class  were  in  a  situation  still  more  deplora- 
ble ;  indeed,  in  a  state  of  absolute  destitution — 
destitute  of  health,  destitute  of  resources,  and,  as 
a  general  consequence,  destitute  of  hope.  The  sick 
list  numbered  between  one  hundred  and  fifty,  and 
two  hundred  ;  many  of  whom  were  languishing  un- 
der extreme  debility. 

It  is  difficult  to  conceive  of  a  situation  more  dis- 
tressing, and  responsible  than  that  in  which  Gen. 
Jacksonwas  placedby  this  order  from  Mr.  Armstrong. 
Obedience  to  it  would  have  been  casting  most  of 
his  patriotic  followers  upon  a  pityless  world  -in  an 
inclement  season,  and  destitute  of  resources — dis- 
obedience of  the  order  would  subject  him  to  mil- 
itary punishment,  unless  the  peculiar  circumstan- 
ces of  the  case  should  be  deemed  sufficient  to 
excuse  him  from  the  operation  of  military  law.  Af- 
ter consultation  with  his  officers,  who,  at  first, 
accorded  with  him  in  opinion,  he  assured  the  Se- 
cretary at  War,  that  the  order  would  be  disregarded ; 
and  that  a  sufficient  quantity  of  the  public  stores, 
would  be  retained  to  aid  his  Volunteers  in  returning 
to  their  homes. 

General  Wilkinson  was  advised  of  the  order  of 
the  war  department,  and  of  the  determination  of 
Gen.  Jackson  in  regard  to  it.  Clothed  with  the 
authority  of  the  government — commanding  one  of 
the  most  extensive  military  districts  in  the  Republic 
— anxious  to  augment  his  stores,  and  increase  the 
number  of  his  own  troops,  he  endeavoured  to  inti- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  61 

midate  Gen.  Jackson  into  obedience  of  the  order, 
by  fore-warning  him  of  the  alarming  consequences 
to  himself,  of  disobedience.  Some  of  his  own  offi- 
cers retracted  their  first  decision,  and  advised  a 
compliance  with  the  order.  Even  the  quarter- 
master endeavoured  to  compel  him  to  the  measure, 
by  omiting  to  take  the  necessary  steps  preparatory 
to  the  commencement  of  the  return  march.  Cool, 
collected,  and  unembarrassed,  Gen.  Jackson  now 
took  counsel  from  his  own  judgment,  and  the  respon- 
sibility of  his  conduct  upon  his  own  head;  knowing, 
that  if  called  to  do  it,  he  could  justify  himself  be- 
fore any  forum,  excepting  one  that  had  prejudged 
his  case.  He  gave  orders  for  breaking  up  the  en- 
campment, and  for  commencing  the  movement 
which  was  to  conduct  his  Volunteers  to  the  place 
of  original  rendezvous-,  and  gave  it  in  such  a  man- 
ner, and  accompanied  it  with  such  acts,  as  to  con- 
vince all,  that  from  this  decision  there  was  no  appeal. 
The  gloom  and  dejection  which  pervaded  this 
corps,  when  the  order  from  the  war  department  was 
received,  was  converted  to  the  exhilaration  of  joy 
when  the  determination  of  their  general  was  made 
known.  The  waggons  were  used  for  the  trans- 
portation of  the  sick ;  and  even  the  horses  of  the 
general  and  his  staff,  were  cheerfully  surrendered 
for  that  purpose  when  necessary.  During  a  march 
of  nearly  five  hundred  miles,  Gen.  Jackson  evin- 
ced, by  his  uniform  conduct,  that  although  his  situa- 
tion compelled  him  to  act  as  a  soldier,  "  he  felt 


62  MEMOIRS   OF 

like  a  man."  To  the  high  respect  which  was  at  all 
times  felt  by  the  Tennessee  Volunteers  for  Gen. 
Jackson,  was  now  added  the  most  ardent  attach- 
ment. They  almost  forgot  the  dignity  of  the  general, 
in  the  more  amiable  and  endearing  qualities  of  the 
patron  and  the  friend.  This  corps,  having  endured 
the  privations  of  the  camp,  and  the  fatigues  of 
marching  and  counter-marching,  without  having 
yet  acquired  any  of  the  laurels  which  are  reaped 
in  the  field  of  battle,  were  discharged  about  the  1st 
of  May,  1813.  But  the  ardent  patriotism,  regula- 
ted by  a  spirit  of  subordination,  which  they  shewed 
in  this  first  scene  of  military  life,  justified  the  high 
expectation  which  was  entertained  of  them,  and 
which  was  afterwards  so  amply  gratified  by  their 
splendid  military  achievements. 

The  course  pursued  by  Gen.  Jackson  in  regard 
to  Mr.  Armstrong's  order,  and  the  Volunteers,  may 
meet  with  the  animadversion  of  the  mere  officer, 
who  acquired  his  knowledge  of  tactics  from  books, 
and  his  ideas  of  subordination  from  reading  the  ar- 
ticles of  war ;  but  his  conduct  was  approbated  by  the 
administration,  and  the  whole  expenses  of  the  expe- 
dition paid  out  of  the  public  treasury.  The  military 
ardour  of  Gen.  Jackson  was  not  damped  by  the  criti- 
cal, and  even  dangerous  circumstances  in  which  he 
had  recently  been  placed — dangerous,  more  from 
the  machinations  of  official  intrigue,  than  from  the 
open  enemies  of  the  country.  The  first  he  had  too 
much  magnanimity  even  to  suspect — the  last  he  had 
courage  enough  to  face  in  every  possible  situation. 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  V. 


.Approbation  and  censure  of  general  Jackson — Impla- 
cable  hostility  of  savages  increased  by  British  and 
Spanish  emissaries,  and  British  ravages — Indian 
massacre  of  garrison,  women  and  children,  at  Fort 
Mimms — Expedition  from  Tennessee  against  Creeks 
prepared — Gen.  Jackson  assumes  the  command — 
Colonel  Coffee — Difference  between  Militia,  Volun- 
teers, and  Regular  Troops — Gen.  Jackson  proceeds 
to  the  frontiers — prepares  for  active  service — Defi- 
ciency of  provisions  in  his  camp — Col.  Dyer  destroys 
Littafutches — First  victory  over  Creeks  at  Tallus- 
hatches — Gen.  Coffee's  report  of  it  to  Gen.  Jackson, 

THE  superficial  reader  of  Biography,  feels  im- 
patient to  arrive  at  the  developement  of  the  dis^ 
tinguished  character  who  is  the  subject  of  it.  The 
more  critical  examiner,  traces  the  progress  of  the 
Statesman,  the  Soldier,  and  the  Scholar,  from  the 
first  dawn  of  his  greatness,  to  the  meridian  of  his 
glory.  The  untutored  imagination  will  utter  ^mh 
eiferous  hosannas  to  the  memories  of  the  great ;  but 
they  are  as  destitute  of  meaning,  as  were  the  enthu- 
siastic praises  bestowed  by  the  Ephesians,  upon  the 
goddess  Diana.  That  applause  which  is  offered 
by  intelligence  to  merit,  is  the  only  commendation 
which  a  great  and  a  good  man  wishes  to  receive 
when  in  life,  and  it  is  the  only  sentence  which  will 
embalm  his  memory  after  his  death.  The  same 
remarks  may  be  applied  to  the  censure  which  the 
world  generally  bestows  with  more  liberality  that* 


&4  MEMOIRS    O* 

it  does  its  praise.  It  has  been  shewn  that  Gen. 
Jackson  had  scarcely  entered  the  threshold  of  his 
military  life,  before  the  cheering  voice  of  approba- 
tion, as  well  as  the  dissonant  notes  of  censure,  met 
his  ear.  But  he  was  then,  and  is  now,  a  man  whom 
merited  praise  cannot  enervate,  and  whom  unjust 
censure  cannot  intimidate. 

In  the  third  chapter,  of  this  work,  the  reasons 
were  briefly  stated  why  the  Aborigines  of  America, 
are  so  implacably  hostile  to  the  Anglo-Americans, 
especially  to  the  citizens  of  the  American  Republic. 
They  have  been  taught  to  believe  that  their  Great 
Fathers,  beyond  the  great  waters,  occupying  the 
thrones  of  Britain  and  Spain,  are  their  friends  and 
protectors  ;  while  the  Americans  are  their  enemies 
and  destroyers.  The  emissaries  of  these  great  pot- 
entates themselves,  will  always  disseminate  and  en- 
courage this  sentiment,  as  long  as  they  have  colo- 
nies bordering  upon  the  United  States  ;  and  as  long 
as  they  need  savages,  as  allies,  to  aid  them  in  their 
Quixotk  views  of  rccolonizing  them. 

Lest  this  fact  may,  by  some  be  thought  to  be 
too  confidently  stated,  I  quote  the  following  from 
i\ie  F  '^port  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations, 
to  whom  was  referred  the  Manifesto  of  President 
M  disox,  of  the  1st  June  1812, — "  It  is  known  that 
symptoms  of  British  hostility  towards  the  United 
States,  have  never  failed  to  produce  corresponding 
symptoms  among  those  tribes.  ["  Savage  tribes  on 
our  frontiers"')      Ft  i«   also  well  known,  that  on  all 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  65 

such  occasions,  abundant  supplies  of  the  ordinary 
munitions  of  war,  have  been  afforded  by  the  agents 
of  British  commercial  companies,  and  even  from 
British  garrisons,  wherewith  they  were  enabled  to 
commence  that  system  of  savage  warfare  on  our 
frontiers,  which  has  been,  at  all  times,  indiscriminate 
in  its  effect,  on  all  ages,  sexes,  and  conditions,  and  so 
revolting  to  humanity"  This  is  confined  to  Brit- 
ish emissaries.  Before  the  reader  reaches  the  close 
of  these  brief  Memoirs,  he  will  be  furnished  with 
evidence  "  strong  as  proof  of  holy  writ"  of  the 
more  aggravated  injuries  of  the  emissaries  of  Fer- 
dinand VII.  of  Spain. 

It  was  not  until  the  British  fleets  had  commen- 
ced their  ravages  upon  our  then  defenceless  sea- 
ports ;  and  the  British  armies  had  began  the  work 
of  devastation  upon  our  then  unprotected  frontiers, 
that  the  Creek  Indians,  as  a  tribe,  advanced  for  a 
similar  purpose,  to  the  borders  of  the  states  of 
Georgia,  Tennessee,  and  Mississippi.  The  last 
mentioned  state,  then  a  territorial  government,  felt 
the  first  disastrous  shock  from  a  concealed  storm 
that  had  long  hung  in  awful  silence  upon  its  borders. 

The  Spanish  government,  the  consummate  du- 
plicity of  which  is  equalled  only  by  the  horrours 
of  its  despotism,  had  long  furnished  the  Creek* 
with  arms  and  amunition,  the  better  to  enable  them 
to  destroy  the  rapidly  increasing  settlements  of  the 
states  bordering  upon    Florida,     As  before  men* 

6* 


66  MEMOIRS  OF 

tioned,  these  states  had  defended  themselves  with 
hut  little  aid  from  the  general  government. 

In  August  1813,  a  garrison  of  an  hundred  and 
fifty  men,  was  stationed  in  a  settlement  called  Ten- 
scttv,  in  the  state  of  Mississippi.  They  occupied  an 
incomplete  fortress,  called  Fort  Minims,  at  Ttnsalo, 
to  which  many  females  and  children  had  resorted 
for  protection  against  the  enkindled  wrath  of  the 
Creek  Indians,  who  had  before,  in  small  parties, 
wantonly  murdered  a  number  of  families.  The 
whole  amounted  to  nearly  400,  at  the  fort.  But 
the  garrison  and  the  inhabitants  were  unsuspicious 
of  a  general  movement  of  these  ferocious  sons  of 
the  forest. 

Upon  the  30th  of  August,  the  furious  storm  of 
savage  warfare  burst  upon  them  with  all  its  appal- 
ing  horrours.  From  six  hundred  to  a  thousand  sa- 
vages commenced  an  assault.  The  most  veteran 
courage  was  imbecility  itself  against  such  an  over- 
whelming superiority  of  force.  The  tragical  scene 
that  followed  the  possession  of  Fort  Mimms,  by  the 
Creeks,  no  mind  can  conceive — no  tongue  can  ex- 
press— no  pen  can  describe  !  The  savages,  having 
long  before  resolved  to  ask  no  quarters,  nor  to  grant 
any,  began  and  completed  the  dreadful  work  of 
human  carnage.  The  demand  of  the  soldier  for 
quarters,  was  as  ineffectual  as  the  heart-piercing 
er  treaties  of  the  mother,  to  spare  her  life  and  that 
of  her  child.  A  general  slaughter  was  made  ;  and 
out  of  about  three  hundred  and  seventy  persons. 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 

soldiers,  women,  and  children,  in  and  about  the 
fort,  but  seventeen  escaped. 

The  Indians  entered  one  of  the  gates  of  the  fort, 
and  set  fire  to  an  old  building  within  it.  Major 
Beasly  commanded  ;  and  with  a  band,  that  reminds 
the  reader  of  the  Spartan  band*  of  Leonidas  at 
Thermopolae,  maintained  a  conflict  with  more  than 
four  times  their  force,  until  they  slew  more  than 
their  own  numbers.  While  this  forlorn  hope  were 
selling  their  lives  in  the  fort,  the  aged  men,  the 
helpless  women,  and  shrieking  children,  were  perish- 
ing in  the  flames  in  the  upper  story  of  the  burning 
building.  To  use  the  impressive  language  of  one  who 
was  near  this  scene  of  carnage — "  Under  the  dou- 
ble influence  of  British  gold,  and  furious  fanaticism, 
the  savages  fought  in  a  manner  scarcely  to  be  cred- 
ited. The  fight  was  so  obstinately  maintained  for 
a  long  time,  that  the  opponents,  overcome  by  fatigue 
and  exertion,  loaded  their  pieces  deliberately,  and 
shot  each  other  dowrn,  or  were  mutually  dispatched 
by  the  bayonet  and  tomahawrk." 

The  solicitude  which  this  direful  catastrophe  pro- 
duced, in  all  the  exposed  settlements  upon  the 
Mobile,  Tombigbee,  and  in  many  other  places,  can 
better  be  imagined  than  expressed.  Although  the 
state  of  Tennessee  was  not  immediately  in  danger, 

*  I  find  in  many  of  the  official  reports  during  the  last  war,  tt£^ 
brave  body  of  A mericans,  is  called  u  a  Spartan  Band.v  I  cannof* •'• 
see  how  an  American  band  should  be  a  band  of  Spartans^  however 
brave  they  may  be. 


68  MEMOIRS   OF 

yet  the  most  energetic  and  efficient  measures  were 
taken  to  protect  the  frontiers,  and  avenge  the  mas- 
sacre at  Fort  Mimms.  The  legislature  of  that 
state  convened  toward  the  close  of  September — 
authorized  Governour  Blount  to  call  into  immedi- 
ate service  three  thousand  five  hundred  of  the  mi- 
litia,— and  voted  three  hundred  thousand  dollars. 
for  their  support. 

The  legislature,  and  indeed,  the  whole  popula- 
lation  of  Tennessee,  fixed  their  hopes  upon  Gen. 
Jackson.  The  confidence  of  all  in  him  was  un- 
bounded. It  had  long  been  his  opinion  that  the 
only  effectual  mode  of  warfare  against  savages,  wa« 
to  carry  war  into  the  heart  of  their  country.  Gen. 
Wayne,  many  years  since,  and  Gen.  Harrison  more 
recently,  had  evinced  the  correctness  of  this  opin- 
ion. The  legislature  accorded  with -him  in  senti- 
ment, and  the  command  of  an  intended  expedition 
devolved  upon  him. 

Gen.  Jackson,  had  recently  received  a  fracture 
in  his  arm,  and  a  wound  in  his  body,  in  the  settle- 
ment of  an  affair  of  honour,  in  an  honourable  man- 
ner. Under  any  other  circumstances,  the  severity 
of  the  wounds,  and  the  consequent  debility,  would 
have  detained  him  in  his  domestic  circle.  But  he 
was  born  for  his  country — his  country  demanded 
his  services  ;  and  the  ardent  patriotism  of  his  soul, 
made  him  forget  the  debility  of  his  body. 

He  was  ordered  by  governour  Blount  to  call  out 
Ifltfo  thousand  militia,  and  to  rendezvous  at  Fayette- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  §® 

rille*  A  part  of  this  detachment  consisted  of  the 
Tennessee  Volunteers,  who  had,  the  preceding 
spring  returned  from  Natchez,  Upon  the  4th  of 
October  1813,  the  day  appointed,  the  troops  promt- 
ly  repaired  to  the  place  of  rendezvous.  Colonel, 
soon  after  general  Coffee,  in  the  mean  time,  had 
raised  five  hundred  mounted  Volunteers,  and  was 
authorized  to  augment  his  force,  by  adding  to  it  the 
volunteer  mounted  riflemen  who  might  offer  their 
services.  It  would  be  a  task  highly  grateful  to  the 
authour,  would  the  prescribed  limits  of  this  work 
permit,  to  give  a  brief  sketch  of  this  accomplished 
and  patriotic  officer.  It  is  enough  to  say,  that  he 
commenced  his  active  military  life,  with  Andrew 
Jackson;  and  that  in  the  most  disastrous  periods 
of  the  Creek  war,  when,  by  the  jealousy  of  some, 
the  treachery  of  others,  the  intrigues  of  many,  and 
the  apprehensions  of  all,  his  general  was  left  almost 
alone  in  a  wilderness  of  blood-seeking  barbarians, 
he  remained  "  faithful  among  the  faithless,"  till  the 
last  conquering  stroke  was  given.  He  followed 
the  no  less  desperate  fortune  of  Gen.  Jackson  toNezc 
Orleans,  where  he,  with  his  general,  and  his  gallant 
army,  acquired  laurels  which  will  never  fade,  until 
men  cease  to  appreciate  exalted  patriotism. 

Upon  the  7th  October,  Gen.  Jackson  repaired 
to  the  rendezvous  at  Fayetteville ;  and  although  in 
a  stale  of  indisposition  which  required  the  repose 
of  the  hospital,  rather  than  in  that  vigorous  health 
which  is  necessary  to  endure  the  fatigues  of  the 


7D 


MEMOIRS  OF 


camp,  and  a  march  through  the  wilderness,  he  ae* 
sumed  the  command  of  the  army  designed  to 
avenge  the  blood  of  their  countrymen,  and  to  con- 
quer the  most  warlike  tribe  of  barbarians  in  the 
universe.  It  might  be  deemed  presumptuous  to 
say,  that  Gen.  Jackson  was  the  only  man  in  Tennes- 
see, who  could  successfully  command  an  army  des- 
tined to  accomplish  this  arduous  and  perilous  duty  ; 
but  it  may,  without  hesitation  be  said,  that  no  man 
at  that  time,  had  so  completely  secured  the  confi- 
dence, and  raised  the  hopes  of  the  civil  and  military 
power  of  that  state,  as  he. 

He  found  the  troops  assembled,  deficient  in  num- 
bers, and  was  aware  that  few  of  them  had  "  seen 
service."  The  difference  betwreen  drafted  militia, 
rolunteer  troops,  and  enlisted  soldiers,  has  been 
slightly  alluded  to.  It  will  be  readily  acknow- 
ledged by  every  officer  and  every  soldier  in  the  late 
war.  It  does  not  arise  from  a  difference  of  pat- 
riotism or  courage,  for  both  are  inherent  with  all 
true  Americans.  It  may  probably  be  imputed  to 
the  difference  in  their  organization.  The  Militia, 
in  times  of  peace,  consider  the  performance  of 
military  service  rather  as  a  pastime  than  a  duty  ; 
and  cannot  be  brought,  suddenly,  tc  submit  to  the 
rigid  discipline  of  the  camp.  The^  Volunteers, 
are  impelled  by  love  of  country,  ?.a  a  thirst  for 
fame,  to  fly,  unasked  to  the  standard  of  the  Repub- 
lic ;  but  when  the  impulse  that  led  them  there  has 
subsided,  and  thev  finjLthat  glory  is  to  be  acquired 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  71 

by  a  long  course  of  severe  duty,  apathy  often  suc- 
ceeds to  animation  ;  and  many  are  ready  to  exclaim 
with  Byron,  "  /  want  no  other  Paradise  but  rest." 
The  Soldiers,  enter  the  army  to  make  a  trade  of 
war.  They  study  discipline  as  a  business ;  and 
courage  with  them  is  not  only  a  principle,  but  it 
is  a  system.  To  conquer,  to  be  captured,  or  to 
die,  is  a  matter  of  course,  and  of  necessity  ;  and  if 
disasters  are  remediless,  when  they  happen,  they 
endure  them  without  a  murmur. 

Gen.  Jackson,  at  the  time  he  commenced  his 
second  expedition,  and  his  first  against  the  Creeks, 
had  no  United  States'  troops  under  his  command  ; 
indeed  he  had  no  authority  himself  under  the  gen- 
eral government,  being  senior  major-general  of 
Tennessee  militia.  He  commenced  the  arduous 
duty  of  converting  citizens  to  soldiers,  and  resorted 
to  every  possible  expedient  which  a  prudent  as  well 
as  an  intrepid  commander  could  devise,  to  ensure 
success.  The  previous  character — the  presence 
ai;d  example  of  the  general,  inspired  the  soldiers 
with  confidence,  and  gave  them  victory  in  antici- 
pation. 

Colonel  Coffee  had  penetrated  with  his  cavalry 
and  mounted  volunteers  towards  the  frontiers,  and 
was  stationed  near^Hkntsville.  In  the  Creek  na- 
tion were  many  natives  in  amity  with  the  United 
States.  From  them,  important  information  wa< 
obtained,  and  by  them,  essential  service  was  ren- 
dered.     Upon  the   8th,  colonel  Coffee  informed 


72  MEMOIRS  OF 

Gen.  Jackson,  by  express,  that  from  information  de- 
rived from  Indian  runners,  the  hostile  Creeks  were 
in  great  force,  and  intended,  simultaneously  to  attack 
the  frontiers  of  Georgia  and  Tennessee.  Upon 
the  10th,  Gen.  Jackson,  in  an  unprepared  state, 
took  up  the  line  of  march ;  and  what  is  perhaps 
without  a  parallel  for  a  first  day's  march,  reached 
Huntsville  the  same  evening,  a  distance  of  from 
thirty  to  forty  miles.  Colonel  Coffee  had  reached 
the  Tennessee  river,  and  Gen.  Jackson,  the  next 
day,  overtook  him,  and  united  with  his  regiment 
upon  the  bank  of  that  river.  Aware  that "  procrasti- 
nation is  the  thief  of  time,"  and  that  the  ardour  of 
raw  and  undisciplined  troops  was  soon  cooled,  he 
dispatched  colonel  Coffee,  with  his  mounted  corps, 
to  explore  the  river  Big  Warrior,  and  Etomb-ig- 
aby,  commonly  called  Tombigbee. 

He  encamped  his  own  division  upon  the  Tennes- 
see, and  was  indefatigable  in  preparing  them  for 
active  service.  He  remained  here  but  a  week  ; 
and  what  will  excite  the  astonishment  of  those  who 
have  witnessed  the  slow  progress  of  raw  troops  to 
the  character  of  veteran  soldiers,  he  made  his  ar- 
my such  in  that  time.  The  mystery  is  explained 
when  it  is  said,  in  this  corps,  at  this  time,  they  found 
pleasure  in  the  performance  of  duty,  and  the  per- 
formance of  duty,  was  the  enjoyment  of  pleasure. 

In  the  camp  of  Gen.  Jackson,  there  could  hardly 
be  said  to  be  a  Commissary  department  at  this  time  ; 
and  he  depended   upon  various  contractors  for  ca- 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 

sual  rather  than  regular  supplies  of  provisions.  An 
alarming  deficiency  was  found  to  exist,  and  an 
uncertainty  of  supplies  was  made  known.  Nothing 
could  be  so  much  calculated  to  repress  military 
ardour  as  this  discovery.  Men  who  would  face 
death  i  1  its  most  horrible  forms,  will  turn  to  children 
at  the  approach  of  famine.  Gen  Jackson,  by  mea- 
sures the  most  efficient,  and  by  entreaties  the  most 
urgent,  endeavoured  to  secure  a  supply.  Undis- 
mayed himself,  he  set  an  example  of  cheerfulness 
before  his  followers,  that  for  a  time  dispelled  their 
apprehensions. 

At  this  critical  period,  information  was  received 
that  the  Creeks  were  embodied  near  the  Ten  Islands 
on  the  Coosa.  Collecting  what  provisions  could  be 
obtained,  but  a  few  days'  supply,  he  commenced 
his  march  upon  the  18th  for  Thompsons  Creek. 
His  route  led  through  a  mountainous  country,  which 
would  seem  to  have  defied  the  passage  of  an  army 
and  the  appendages  of  it.  Upon  the  22d  he 
arrived  there,  where  he  remained  until  certain  in- 
formation was  received  that  the  Creeks  would  soon 
commence  active  operations  upon  the  Coosa.  The 
warriors,  to  an  amount  wholly  unknown,  but  who 
were  supposed  to  be  very  numerous,  had  assembled, 
in  warlike  array  at  Tallashatches. 

Col.  Dyer  had  before  been  dispatched  to  attack, 
and  if  possible,  destroy  the  Indian  town  of  Liitafut- 
ehes.  He  destroyed  the  place  ;  and  upon  the  28th, 
returned  to  camp  with  twenty-nine  prisoners  of  the 


74  MEMOIRS  ©F 

hostile  Creeks,  extending  i;hat  mercy  to  them  by 
sparing  their  lives,  which  their  system  of  warfare 
prohibited  them  from  extending  to  Americans. 

The  main  body  was  encamped  about  thirteen 
miles  from  Tallushatches  ;  and  upon  the  1st  of 
November,  a  small  supply  of  provisions  was  brought 
into  camp.  Col.  Coffee  had  been  promoted  to  a« 
brigadier-general  ;  and  was  dispatched  early  upon 
the  2d,  with  900  cavalry,  and  mounted  riflemen, 
to  attack  the  Creeks  in  their  encampment.  Gen. 
Jackson,  although  convalescent,  was  at  this  time,  ex- 
tremely debilitated  from  long  indisposition,  excessive 
fatigue,  and  extreme  solicitude,  and  had  no  use  of  one 
arm  ;  but  in  Gen.  Coffee,  he  had  an  officer  to  whom 
he  might  safely  entrust  an  expedition  of  any  impor- 
tance, and  of  any  danger. 

The  result  of  this  first  important  engagement,  I 
present  to  the  reader  in  the  language  of  "  Official 
Reports."  Deeming  this  altogether  the  most  pre- 
ferable mode  of  furnishing  the  reader  with  the  de- 
tails of  battles,  I  shall  adopt  it  through  the  work, 
when  they  can  be  obtained. 

Gen.  JACKSON,  to  Gov.  BLOUNT. 
Camp  at  Ten  Islands,  Nov.  4th,  1813. 
Governour  Blount. 
Sir — We  have  retaliated  for  the  destruction  of 
Fort  Mimms.     On  the  2d,  I  detached  Gen.  Coffee 
with  a  part  of  his  brigade  of  cavalry  and  mounted 
riflemen,  to  destroy  Tallushatches,  where  a  consid- 


ANDREW  JACKSON  76 

arable  force  of  the  hostile  Creeks  were  concen- 
trated. The  Gen.  executed  this  in  style.  An  hun- 
dred and  eighty-six  of  the  enemy  were  found  dead 
on  the  field,  and  about  80  taken  prisoners,  40  of 
whom  have  been  brought  here.  In  the  number  left, 
there  is  a  sufficiency  but  slightly  wounded  to  take 
care  of  those  who  are  badly. 

I  have  to  regret  that  5  of  my  brave  fellows 
have  been  killed,  and  about  30  wounded ;  some 
badly,  but  none  I  hope  mortally. 

Both  officers  and  men  behaved  with  the  utmost 
bravery  and  deliberation. 

Captains  Smith,  Bradley,  and  Winston  are  wound- 
ed, all  slightly.     No  officer  is  killed. 

So  soon  as  Gen.  Coffee  makes  his  report,  I  shall 
enclose  it. 

If  we  had  a  sufficient  supply  of  provisions,  we 
should  in  a  very  short  time  accomplish  the  object  of 
the  expedition. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect, 
yours,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

P.  S.  Seventeen  Cherokees,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Col.  Brown,  acted  with  great  bravery  in 
the  action.  Two  of  Chenubby's  sons,  and  Jim 
Fife,  of  the  Natchez  tribe,  also  distinguished  them- 
selves.    One  of  the  Creek  prophets  is  killed. 

A.  J. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  Gen.  Jackson,  merely 
allu  des  to    the  subject   of  provisions ;   but   from 


76  MEMOIRS    OF 

numerous  sources  of  correct  information,  it  is  cer- 
tain at  that  time,  that  a  very  scanty  supply  was  on 
hand. 

The  following  is  general  Coffee's  report  of  the 
Battle  of  Tallushatches,  alluded  to  in  the  let- 
ter to  Gov.  Blount. 

Brig.  Gen.  COFFEE,  to  Maj.  Gen.  JACKSON. 

Ca  mp  at  Ten  Is  la  nds,  jXo  v .  Ath  1813. 
Maj.  Gex.  Jackson. 

Sir — 1  had  the  honour  yesterday,  of  transmitting 
you  a  short  account  of  an  engagement  that  took 
place  between  a  detachment  of  about  900  men 
from  my  brigade,  with  the  enemy  at  Tallushatches 
town  ;  the  particulars  whereof  I  beg  leave  herein  to 
recite  you.  Pursuant  to  your  order  of  the  2d,  I 
detailed  from  my  brigade  of  cavalry  and  mounted 
riflemen,  900  men  and  officers,  and  proceeding  di- 
rectly to  the  Tallushatches  towns,  Crossed  Coosa 
river  at  the  Fish  Dam  ford,  3  or  4  miles  above  this 
place.  I  arrived  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  the 
town,  (distant  from  this  place  southeast  8  miles,)  on 
the  morning  of  the  3d,  at  which  place  I  divided  my 
detachment  into  two  columns,  the  right  compo- 
sed of  the  cavalry  commanded  by  Col.  Allcorn,  to 
cross  over  a' large  creek  that  lay  between  us  and 
the  towns  :  the  left  column  was  of  the  mounted 
riflemen  under  the  command  of  Col.  Cannon,  with 
whom  I  marched  myself.  Col.  Allcorn  was  order- 
ed to  march  up  on  the  right,  and  encircle  one  half 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  77 

of  the  town,  and  at  the  same  time  the  left  would 
form  a  half  circle  on  the  left,  and  unite  the  head  of 
the  columns  in  front  of  the  town  :  all  of  which  was 
performed  as  I  could  wish.  When  I  arrived  within, 
half  a  mile  of  the  town,  the  drums  of  the  enemy 
began  to  beat,  mingled  with  their  savage  yells, 
preparing  for  action.  It  was  after  sunrise  an  hour 
when  the  action  was  brought  on  by  Capt.  Ham- 
mond and  Lieut.  Patterson's  companies,  who  had 
gone  on  within  the  circle  of  alignment  for  the  pur- 
pose of  drawing  out  the  enemy  from  their  build- 
ings, which  had  the  most  happy  effect.  As  soon 
as  Capt.  Hammond  exhibited  his  front  in  view  of 
the  town,  (which  stood  in  open  woodland)  and  gave 
a  few  scattering  shot,  the  enemy  formed  and  made 
a  violent  charge  on  him  ;  he  gave  way  as  they 
advanced,  until  they  met  our  right  column,  which 
gave  them  a  general  fire,  and  then  charged  ;  this 
changed  the  direction  of  charge  completely  ;  the 
enemy  retreated  firing,  until  they  got  around,  and  in 
their  buildings,  where  they  made  all  the  resistance 
that  an  overpowered  soldier  could  do  ;  they  fought 
as  long  as  one  existed,  but  their  destruction  was 
very  soon  completed  ;  our  men  rushed  up  to  the 
doors  of  the  houses,  and  in  a  few  minuets  killed 
the  last  warrior  of  them ;  the  enemy  fought  with 
savage  fury,  and  met  death  with  all  its  horrours, 
without  shrinking  or  complaining  :  not  one  asked 
to  be  spared,  but  fought  as  long  as  they  could  stand 
-it.  In  consequence  of  their  flying  to  their  hou- 
7* 

- 


79  MEMOIRS  OF 

ses  and  mixing  with  the  families,  our  men,  in  kill- 
ing the  males,  without  intention,  killed  and  wound- 
ed a  few  of  the  squaws  and  children,  which  was 
regretted  by  every  officer  and  soldier  of  the  de- 
tachment, but  which  could  not  be  avoided. 

The  number  of  the  enemy  killed,  was  186,  that 
were  counted,  and  a  number  of  others  that  were 
killed  in  the  weeds  not  found.  I  think  the  calcula- 
tion a  reasonable  one,  to  say  200  of  them  were 
killed,  and  84  prisoners  of  women  and  children^ 
were  taken  ;  not  one  of  the  warriors  escaped  to 
carry  'the  news,  a  circumstance  unknown  hereto- 
fore. 

We  lost  5  men  killed,  and  41  wounded,  none  mor- 
tally, the  greater  part  slightly,  a  number  with  ar- 
rows ;  this  appears  to  form  a  very  principal  part  of 
the  enemy's  arms  for  warfare,  every  man  having 
a  bow  with  a  burMle  of  arrows,  which  is  used  after 
the  first  fire  with  the  gun,  until  a  leisure  time  for 
loading  offers. 

It  is  with  pleasure  I  say  that  our  men  acted  with 
deliberation  and  firmness — notwithstanding  our 
numbers  were  superiour  to  that  of  the  enemy,  it  was 
a  circumstance  to  us  unknown,  and  from  the  parade 
of  the  enemy  we  had  every  reason  to  suppose 
them  our  equals  in  number  :  but  there  appeared 
no  visible  traces  of  alarm  in  any,  but  on  the  con- 
trary all  appeared  cool  and  determined,  and  no 
doubt  when  they  face  a  foe  of  their  own,  or  superior 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  79 

number,  they  will   show  the  same  courage  as  on 
this  occasion. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  very  respectfully,  sir, 
your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  COFFEE. 
Brig.  Gen.  of  Cavalry  and  Riflemen. 

Maj.  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson. 

Killed,  5  privates.,.-.-,. 

Wounded,  4  captains,  2  lieutenants*  2  cornets, 
3  sergeants,  5  corporals,  1  artificer,  24  privates. 
Total  killed  and  wounded,  46. 

In  this  report,  the  reader  will  readily  see,  that 
while  general  Coffee  is  gratified  at  communicating 
an  account  of  a  victory,  he  is  grieved  at  some  of 
the  circumstances  attending  it.  "  Not  one,"  he 
says,  "  asked  to  be  spared" — and  without  asking 
quarter,  and  continuing  to  fight,  they  could  not  be 
spared.  The  regret  expressed  at  killing  and 
wounding  some  of  the  women  and  children,  min- 
gled with  the  warriors,  and  which  could  not  be 
avoided,  shews  that  brave  men  are  always  humane. 


BO  MEMOIRS  OF 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Tennessee  forces — Collisions  in  armies—Establishment 
of  Fort  Strother—  Perilous  situation  of  friendly  Creaks 
—  Dispatch  to  Gen.  White — -his  conduct — Battle  of 
Talladega — Gen.  Jackson's  account  of  it. 

AT  the  commencement  of  the  campaign,  in  the 
Creek  nation,  in  1813,  the  Tennessee  forces,  Mili- 
tia and  Volunteers,  that  were  called  into  service, 
consisted  of  two  divisions — one  of  West  Tennes- 
see, commanded  by  Maj.  Gen.  Jackson,  the  oth- 
er of  East  Tennessee,  commanded  by  Maj.  Gen. 
Cocke.  The  division  of  the  Tennessee  forces 
seemed  to  be  governed  by  the  division  which  na- 
ture has  made  of  this  state  by  the  range  of  the 
Cumberland  mountains,  running  from  north  to 
south.  Maj.  Gen.  Thomas  Pinckney,  of  the  Uni- 
ted States'  army,  was  commander  in  chief  of  the 
military  district  in  which  these  troops  were  raised 
and  organized. 

Whether  it  was  designed  by  the  Executive  of 
Tennessee  that  the  two  divisions  of  its  forces  should 
act  in  concert,  or  remain  two  distinct  corps,  acting 
independently  of  each  other,  cannot  positively  be 
determined  by  the  writer.  The  first  is  altogether 
the  most  probable  5  indeed  it  is  rendered  almost 
certain  from  the  course  pursued  by  Gen.  Jack- 
son. It  cannot  for  a  moment  be  supposed,  that  a 
man  who  had  so  long  been  in  pub.ic  life — filling 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  ttl 

exalted  and  highly  responsible  stations  in  the  civil 
and  military  departments,  would  arrogate  to  him- 
self an  authority  which  was  not  expressly,  or  by 
the  fairest  implication,  bestowed  upon  him.  He 
issued  orders  to  the  division  under  Gen.  Cocke. 
The  unfortunate  collisions,  misunderstandings,  and 
jealousies  which  for  a  time  obstructed,  and  nearly 
thwarted  the  important  and  hazardous  expedition 
into  the  country  of  the  Creeks,  though  reluctant- 
ly, must  necessarily  be  alluded  to,  to  show  the 
course  pursued  by  Gen.  Jackson. 

Although  the  patriot  will  lament  the  existence 
of  feuds  in  a  patriotic  army,  let  it  be  remembered 
they  were  not  confined  to  the  militia  in  the  last 
war — nor  to  those  between  the  militia  of  the  states, 
and  the  national  forces  ;  but  that  they  existed  in 
some  departments  of  the  United  States'  army  it- 
self. The  northern  campaign  of  1813,  is  not  for- 
gotten, nor  the  "  Failure  of  our  arms  on  the  North- 
ern Frontier"  erased  from  recollection.  Gen. 
Wilkinson  declares  in  a  General  Order — -""  The 
Commander  in  Chief  is  compelled  to  retire,  [from 
the  Canadian  shore,]  by  the  extraordinary,  unex- 
ampled, and  it  appears,  unwarrantable  conduct  of 
Maj.  Gen.  Hampton,  in  refusing  to  join  this  army 
with  a  division  of  4000  men  under  his  command, 
agreeable  to  positive  orders  from  the  Commander 
in  Chief." 

The  brilliant  victory  at  Tallushatches,  and  the 
total  defeat  of  the  savages,  from  which,  to  use  the 
language  of  Gen.  Coffee,  "'not  one  of  the  zvarriors 


#2  MEMOIRS  OF 

escaped  to  tell  the  news,"  induced  Gen,  Jackson  to 
take  the  most  efficient  measures  to  follow  up  the 
encouraging  success  the  army  had  met  with,  by 
more  important  operations.  To  accomplish  this, 
he  sent  an  express  upon  Nov.  4th,  (the  date  of  his 
first  official  account.)  to  Brig.  Gen.  White  of  Gen. 
Cocke's  division,  who  was  only  twenty-live  miles 
distant,  ordering  him  with  the  troops  in  his  com- 
mand, to  form  a  junction  with  him  at  Fort  Strother. 
which  he  had  established  as  a  depot.  His  object 
in  forming  this  junction  was  to  augment  his  forces 
to  such  an  amount,  as  to  enable  him  to  go  forward 
with  confidence  in  attacking  the  enemy,  and  leave 
a  force  in  the  rear  sufficient  to  protect  the  sick, 
and  guard  the  baggage.  Although  he  had  twice 
before  sent  similar  orders,  not  a  word  of  intelli- 
gence was- received  from  him.  Upon  the  7th,  he 
dispatched  another  express.  Upon  this  day  infor- 
mation was  received  by  Gen.  Jackson,  that  a  for- 
tress of  friendly  Indians  at  Talladega,  thirty  miles 
distant  from  Fort  Strother,  was  in  imminent  dan- 
ger of  total  destruction,  and  the  natives  to  indis- 
criminate massacre,  by  the  hostile  Creeks.  They 
had  espoused  the  cause  of  the  Americans  ;  and  of 
course  had  incurred  all  the  vengeful  malice  which 
natural  ferocity,  increased  by  religious  fanaticism, 
could  feel  towards  them.  They  were  surrounded 
by  a  numerous  body  of  infuriated  Creeks.  Their 
runners  beseeched  Gen.  Jackson  to  relieve  them 
from  their  perilous  situation.  The  same  sentiment 
that  induced  the  general  to  hazard  his  reputation 


ANDhEW  JACKSON.  80 

io  protecting  his  countrymen  at  Natchez,  induced 
him,  without  hesitation,  to  extend  protection  to 
those  faithful  natives,  whose  fate  was  identified 
with  the  success,  or  the  defeat  of  the  American 
arms.  He  commenced  his  march,  cammanding  in 
person,  at  12  o'clock  in  the  evening.  He  dispatch- 
ed another  express  to  Gen.  White,  to  repair  that 
night  to  Fort  Strother  and  protect  it  in  his  absence. 
To  his  inexpressible  surprise,  in  a  short  time  he  re- 
ceived a  message  from  him,  that  he  had,  agreeable 
to  his  order,  commenced  a  march  to  Fort  Strother, 
but  that  he  had  received  counter  orders  from  Maj. 
Gen.  Cocke,  to  join  him  at  Chatuga  creek  ! — and 
that  he  should  obey  him  ! 

A  situation  more  embarrassing  can  hardly  be 
imagined.  His  sick  and  baggage  in  his  rear,  lia- 
ble every  moment  to  destruction — the  friendly 
Creeks  in  his  front  in  momentary  danger  of  anni- 
hilation. The  hour  of  decision  had  come.  Rely- 
ing upon  the  gallantry  of  his  troops — knowing  the 
justice  of  his  cause,  and  hoping  for  the  protection 
of  heaven,  he  rapidly  advanced  upon  the  enemy, 
ignorant  of  their  force.  The  result  I  give  in  the 
general's  own  language. 

Maj.  Gen.  JACKSON  to  Gov.  BLOUNT. 
Camp  Strother,  near  Ten  Islands  of  Coosa. 

Nov.  11th,  1813. 
Sir — I  am  just  returned  from  an  excursion  which 
I  took  a  few  days  ago,   and  hasten  to  acquaint  yoti 
•with  the  result. 


34  MEMOIRS  OF 

Late  on  the  evening  of  the  7th  inst.  a  runner 
arrived  from  the  friendly  party  in  Lashley's  Fort, 
(Talladega)  distant  about  30  miles  below  us,  with 
the  information  that  the  hostile  Creeks,  in  great 
force,  had  encamped  near  the  place,  and  were  pre- 
paring to  destroy  it  ;  and  earnestly  entreated  that 
I  would  lose  no  time  in  affording  them  relief.  Ur- 
ged by  their  situation,  as  weli  as  by  a  wish  to  meet 
the  enemy  so  soon  as  an  opportunity  would  offer, 
I  determined  upon  commencing  my  march  thither 
with  all  my  disposable  force,  in  the  course  of  the 
night ;  and  immediately  dispatched  an  express  to 
Gen.  White,  advising  him  of  my  intended  move- 
ment, and  urged  him  to  hasten  to  this  encampment 
by  a  forced  march,  in  order  to  protect  it  in  my  ab- 
sence. I  had  repeatedly  written  to  the  general,  to 
form  a  junction  with  me  as  speedily  as  practicable, 
and  a  few  days  before  had  received  his  assurance, 
that  on  the  7th  he  would  join  me.  I  commenced 
crossing  the  river  at  the  Ten  Islands,  leaving  behind 
me  my  baggage  waggons  and  whatever  might  re- 
tard my  progress  ;  and  encamped  that  night  writhin 
six  miles  of  the  fort  1  had  set  out  to  relieve.  At 
midnight  I  had  received  by  an  Indian  runner,  a  let- 
ter from  Gen.  White,  informing  me  that  he  had 
received  my  order,  but  that  he  had  altered  bis 
course,  and  was  on  his  march  backwards  to  join 
Major-Gen.  Cocke,  near  the  mouth  of  Chatuga. 
I  will  not  now  remark  upon  the  strangeness  of  this 
manauivre  ;  but  it  was  now  too  late  to  change  my 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  85 

plan,  or   make   any    new  arrangements  ;  and  be- 
tween 3  and  4  o'clock,  I  recommenced  my  march 
to  meet  the  enemy,  who  were  encamped  within  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  fort.     At  sunrise  we  came 
within  half  a  mile  of  them,  and  having  formed  my 
men,  I  moved  on  in  battle  order.     The   infantry 
were  in  three  lines — the  militia  on  the  left,  and  the 
volunteers  on  the  right.     The  cavalry  formed  the 
two  extreme  wings,  and  were  ordered  to  advance  in 
a  curve,  keeping  their  rear  connected  with  the  ad- 
vance of  their  infantry  lines,  and  enclose  the  enemy 
in  a  circle.     The  advanced  guard  whom  I  sent  for- 
ward to  bring  on  the  engagement,  met  the  attack  of 
the  enemy  with  great  intrepidity  ;  and  having  pour- 
ed upon  them  four  or  five  very  galling  rounds,  fell  back 
as  they  had  been  previously  ordered,  to  the  main 
army.     The  enemy  pursued,  and  the  front  line  was 
now  ordered  to  advance  and  meet  him  ;  but  owing 
to  some  misunderstanding,  a  few  companies  of  mi- 
litia, who  composed  a  part  of  it,  commenced  a  re- 
treat.    At  this  moment  a  corps  of  cavalry,    com- 
manded by  Lieut.  Col.  Dyer,  which  I  had  kept  as 
a  reserve,  was  ordered  to  dismount,  and  fill  up  the 
vacancy  occasioned  by  the  retreat.    This  order  was 
executed   with  a  great  deal    of  promptitude  and 
effect.     The  militia  seeing  this,  speedily  rallied  : 
and  the  fire  became   general  along  the  front  line, 
and  on  that  part  of  the  wings  which  was  contiguous. 
The  enemy,  unable  to  stand  it,   began  to  retreat ; 
but  were  met  at  every  turn,  and  repulsed  in  every 


36  MEMOIRS  OF 

direction.  The  right  wing  chased  them,  with  a 
most  destructive  fire,  to  the  mountains,  a  distance  of 
about  three  miles — and  had  I  not  been  compelled 
by  the  faux  pas  of  the  militia  in  the  outset  of  the 
battle,  to  dismount  my  reserve,  I  believe  not  a  man 
of  them  would  have  escaped.  The  victory,  how- 
ever, was  very  decisive — 290  of  the  enemy  were 
left  dead — and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  many 
more  were  killed  who  were  not  found.  Wherever 
they  ran,  they  left  behind  traces  of  blood  ;  and  it  is 
believed,  that  very  few  will  return  to  their  villages 
in  as  sound  a  condition  as  they  left  them.  I  was 
compelled  to  return  to  this  place  to  protect  the  sick 
and  wounded,  and  get  my  baggage  on. 

In  the  engagement,  we  lost  15  killed,  and  85 
wounded — 2  of  them  have  since  died.  All  the  offi- 
cers acted  with  the  utmost  bravery,  and  so  did  all 
the  privates,  except  that  part  of  the  militia  who  re- 
treated at  the  commencement  of  the  battle — and 
they  hastened  to  atone  for  their  error.  Taking 
the  whole  together,  they  have  realized  the  high  ex- 
pectations I  had  formed  of  them,  and  have  fairly  en- 
titled themselves  to  the  gratitude  of  their  country. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 
His  Excellency  Willie  Blount,  Nashville. 

The  following  additional  dispatch  completes  the 
account  of  the  Battle  of  Talladega. 

Camp  Strother ,  hear  Ten  Islands,  IbthNo*.  1813. 
You  will  perceive  from  a  draft  which  I  shall  send 
you,  that  had  there  been  no  departure  from  the  ori- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  87 

ginal  order  of  battle,  not  an  Indian  could  have  es- 
caped  ;  and  even  as  the  battle  did  terminate,  I 
believe  that  no  impartial  man  can  say  that  a  more 
splendid  result,  has,  in  any  instance  attended  our 
arms  on  land,  since  the  commencement  of  the  war. 
The  force  of  the  enemy  is  represented  by  themselves 
to  have  been  1080;  and  it  does  not  appear  from 
their  fire  and  the  space  of  ground  which  they  occu- 
pied, that  their  number  can  have  been  less.  Two 
hundred  and  ninety-nine  were  left  dead  on  the 
ground  ;  and  no  doubt  many  more  were  killed  who 
were  not  found.  It  is  believed  that  very  few  esca- 
ped without  a  wound.  In  a  very  few  weeks,  if  I 
had  a  sufficiency  of  supplies,  I  am  thoroughly  con- 
vinced I  should  be  able  to  put  an  end  to  Creek 
hostilities.* 

Too  muchpraise  cannot  be  bestowed  upon  the  ad- 
vance, led  on  by  Col.  Carrol,  for  the  spirited  manner 
in  which  they  commenced  and  sustained  the  attack  ; 
nor  upon  the  reserve,  commanded  by  Lieut  Col. 
Dyer,  and  composed  of  Captains  Smith's,  Morton's, 
Axum's,  Edward's,  and  Hammond's  companies,  for 
the  gallantry  with  which  they  met  and  repulsed 
the  enemy.  In  a  word,  officers  of  every  grade,  as 
well  as  the  privates,  realized  the  high  expectations 
I  had  formed  of  them,  and  merit  the  gratitude  of 
their  country. 

I  sliould  be  doing  injustice  to  my  staff,  compo- 
sed of  Majors  Reid  and  Searcy,  my  aids  Col.  Sitler 
and  Major  Anthony,  Adjutant,  and  assistant  Adjutant- 


88  MEMOIRS    OF 

General;  Col.  Carrol,  Inspector-General;  Major 
Strother,  topographer ;  Mr.  Cunningham,  my  se-. 
cretary ;  and  Col.  Stokey  D.  Haynes,  Quarter-Mas- 
ter-General ;  not  to  say  that  they  were  every  where 
in  the  midst  of  danger,  circulating  my  orders.  They 
deserve  and  receive  my  thanks. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

In  reading  this  account  of  the  second  victory  ob- 
tained over  the  Creeks,  it  cannot  have  escaped  the 
notice  of  the  reader,  with  what  delicacy  the  gene- 
ral mentions  the  retreat  of  a  part  of  his  force,  and 
with  what  readiness  he  endeavours  vo  exculpate 
them  from  censure,  by  saying — "  they  hastened  to 
atone  for  their  error."  This  retreat,  however,  had 
a  most  pernicious  effect.  It  tended  to  excuse  sub- 
sequent retreats,  and  to  encourage  the  desponding 
hopes  of  the  Indian  warriors.  When  they  once 
saw  an  assailing  enemy  shrink  from  a  sanguinary 
combat,  they  expected  to  see  it  again. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  89 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Consequences  of  Brig.  Gen.  White's  conduct — Hill- 
abees  sue  for  peace  to  Gen.  Jackson — Gen.  White 
destroys  their  towns — Measures  of  the  Georgia  Le- 
gislature— Victory  at  Autoussee — Brig.  Gen.  Floyd's 
account  of  it — Gen.  Jackson's  situation  in  Decem- 
ber, 1813 — Mutiny  arnon^  bis  troops — also  in  Gen. 
Coffee's  Brigade — dismissal  of  both. 

IN  consequence  of  the  refusal  of  Brig.  Gen. 
White  to  form  a  junction  with  Gen.  Jackson,  or  to 
repair  to  Fort  Strother  in  his  absence,  he  was  com- 
pelled to  relinquish  his  intentions  of  carrying  the 
war  forward  into  the  Indian  territories,  and  to  re- 
turn back  with  his  wounded  to  that  fortress.  This 
conduct  of  Gen.  White,  acting  under  Maj.  Gen. 
Cocke,  was  productive  of  a  double  disadvantage, 
and  a  double  injury — it  prolonged  the  war  with  the 
Creeks,  and  compelled  those  of  them  who  wished 
for  peace,  to  continue  to  fight. 

The  Hillabes  tribes,  after  the  signal  victory  at 
Talladega,  were  solicitous  to  make  peace  with 
Gen.  Jackson,  and  the  United  States.  He  was  as 
ready  to  negociate  as  to  conquer ;  but  before  any 
terms  could  be  made,  Gen.  Wliite  attacked  them 
— and,  while  they  were  preparing  to  bury  the  toma- 
hawk, they  were  compelled  to  wield  it.  Suppos- 
ing that  the  forces  under  Gen.  White,  were  a  part 
of  Gen.  Jackson's  army,  and  that  while  they  were 

stieing  for  peace,  to  be  assailed  by  a  superiour  force. 
8* 


90  MEMOIRS  OF 

was  unjustifiable  duplicity,  they  became  more  en- 
raged than  ever.  Desperation  took  the  place  of 
timidity,  and,  during  the  remainder  of  the  war, 
the  Hillabees  never  asked  quarter,  nor  granted  it. 
They  fought  with  the  raging  fury  of  maniacs  ;  and 
each  one  seemed  to  have  become  a  "  Son  of  Alkno- 
mok,  who  scorned  to  complain" — they  asked  no  fa- 
vours, and  extended  no  mercy. 

General  White  destroyed  the  Hillabee  towns  as 
he  entered  them  by  conflagration*  The  first  town 
was  Little  Oakfuskie,  of  thirty  houses  ;  the  second 
Genalga,  of  ninety-three  houses.  Nitty  Choptoa, 
to  use  his  own  language,  he  "  considered  it  most 
prudent  not  to  destroy,  as  it  might  possibly  be  of 
use  at  some  future  period."  Upon  the  18th  No- 
vember, he  entered  an  Hillabee  town,  "  consist- 
ing" as  he  says,  "  of  about  316,  [hostile  Creeks,]  of 
which  number,  about  60  warriors  were  killed  on  the 
spot,  and  the  rest  made  prisoners."  This  town  he 
also  destroyed.  In  his  report  he  says — "  We  lost 
not  one  drop  of  blood  in  accomplishing  this  enter- 
prise." It  is  without  a  parallel,  in  Indian  warfare, 
that  so  many  warriors  should  be  slain  and  captured, 
and  "  not  one  drop  of  blood"  should  be  lost  by  the 
force  assailing  them  ;  and  can  be  accounted  for, 
perhaps  upon  no  other  principle,  than  that  the  Hill- 
abees scorned  to  shed  the  blood  of  those  to  whom 
they  were,  at  the  very  time,  supplicating  for  peace  ! 
The  facts  are  before  the  reader — he  must  make  hie 
own  inferences.     It  will  surely  be  recollected  that 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  31 

Gen.  Jackson,  however  sanguinary  necessity  com- 
pelled him  to  make  the  war  after  this  period,  had 
hitherto  exercised  a  lenity  toward  the  Creeks,  al- 
most inconsistent  with  energy.  He  had  acted  like 
an  humane  conqueror,  who  chose  rather  to  con- 
ciliate a  ruthless  foe  by  mercy,  than  to  exterminate 
them  by  the  sword. 

It  has  previously  been  stated,  that  the  Creeks 
had  determined  to  attack  the  frontiers  of  Georgia 
and  Tennessee,  simultaneously.  Measures  equally 
efficient  with  those  adopted  by  the  executive  and 
legislature  of  Tennessee,  were  adopted  by  the  ex- 
ecutive and  legislature  of  Georgia.  His  Excel- 
lency Peter  Early,  governour  of  that  state,  upon 
the  8th  November,  1813,  communicated  to  the 
Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  the  informa- 
tion he  had  received  of  savage  depredations  and 
murders  upon  the  frontiers.  The  legislature  im- 
mediately authorized  the  governour,  to  cause  the 
frontiers  to  be  put  in  a  state  of  defence,  and  to 
send  a  sufficient  force  into  the  heart  of  the  Creek 
country.  As  the  executive  and  military  powers  of 
Georgia  acted  in  concert  with  Gen.  Jackson,  the 
measures  pursued  by  them  must  necessarily  be  al- 
luded to. 

Brig.  Gen.  John  Floyd,  commanded  the  Georgia 
Militia.  The  victory  obtained  by  him  at  Autousset 
upon  the  Talapoosa  river,  was  a  signal  advantage 
to  the  American  arms.  It  tended  to  increase  the 
fears  of  the  Creeks,  and  to  hasten  the  conquest  of 


92  MEMOIRS  OF 

their  country.  Sensible  that  no  description  of 
this  battle  will  be  so  gratifying  to  the  reader,  as  that 
given  by  the  accomplished  commander  of  the  gal- 
lant troops  who  achieved  the  victory,  I  present  it 
in  the  language  of  the  general  to  Gov.  Early. 

u  Having  received  information  that  numbers  of 
the  hostile  Indians  were  assembled  at  Autoussee,  a 
town  on  the  -southern  bank  of  the  Talapoosa, 
about  18  miles  from  the  Hickory  Ground,  and  20 
above  the  junction  of  that  river  with  the  Coosa,  I 
proceeded  to  its  attack,  with  950  of  the  Georgia 
militia,  accompanied  by  between  3  and  400  friend- 
ly Indians.  Having  encamped  within  nine  or  ten 
miles  of  the  point  of  destination  the  preceding 
evening,  we  resumed  the  march,  a  few  minutes 
before  one  on  the  morning  of  the  29th,  and  at  half 
past  six  were  formed  for  action  in  front  of  the 
town. 

Booth's  battalion  composed  the  right  column, 
and  marched  from  its  centre.  Watson's  battalion 
composed  the  left,  and  marched  from  its  right — 
Adams'  rifle  company,  and  Merriwether's  under 
Lieut.  Hendon,  were  on  the  flanks — Capt.  Thomas' 
artillery  marched  in  front  of  the  right  column  in 
the  road. 

It  was  my  intention  to  have  completely  sur- 
rounded the  enemy,  by  appaying  the  right  wing  of 
my  force,  on  Canleebee  Creek,  at  the  mouth  of 
which  I  was  informed  the  town  stood,  and  resting 
the  lfcft  on  t.    river  bank  below  the  town,  but  to 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  93 

©ur  surprise,  as  the  day  dawned,  we  perceived  a 
second  town  about  500  yards  below  that  which  we 
had  first  viewed,  and  were  preparing  to  attack. 
The  plan  was  immediately  changed — three  com- 
panies of  infantry  on  the  left  were  wheeled  into 
echellon,  and  advanced  to  the  low  town,  accompa- 
nied by  Merriwether's  rifle  company,  and  two  troops 
of  light  dragoons  under  the  command  of  Captains 
Irwin  and  Steele. 

The  residue  of  the  force  approached  the  upper 
town,  and  the  battle  soon  became  general.  The 
Indians  presented  themselves  at  every  point,  and 
fought  with  the  desperate  bravery  of  real  fanatics. 
The  well  directed  fire,  however,  of  the  artillery, 
added  to  the  charge  of  the  bayonet,  soon  forced 
them  to  take  refuge  in  the  out-houses,  thickets,  and 
copses,  in  rear  of  the  town  ;  many,  it  is  believed, 
concealed  themselves  in  caves,  previously  form- 
ed for  the  purpose  of  secure  retreat,  in  the  high 
bluff  of  the  river,  which  was  thickly  covered  with 
reed  and  brush  wood.  The  Indians  of  the  friendly 
party  who  accompanied  us  on  the  expedition,  were 
divided  into  four  companies,  and  placed  under  the 
command  of  leaders  of  their  selection.  They  wrere. 
by  engagement  entered  into  the  day  previous,  to 
have  crossed  the  river  above  the  town,  and  been 
posted  on  the  opposite  shore  during  the  action,  for 
the  purpose  of  firing  on  such  of  the  enemy  as  might 
attempt  to  escape,  or  keep  in  check  any  reinforce- 
ment which  might  probably  be  thrown  in  from  the 


94  MEMOIRS   OF 

neighbouring  town  ;  but  owing  to  the  difficulty  of 
the  ford,  and  coldness  of  the  weather,  and  the 
lateness  of  the  hour,  this  arrangement  failed,  and 
their  leaders  were  directed  to  cross  Canleebee 
creek,  and  occupy  that  flank,  to  prevent  escapes 
from  the  TaJlassee  town.  Some  time  after  the  ac- 
tion commenced,  our  red  friends  thronged  in  disor- 
der in  the  rear  of  our  lines.  The  Cowetaws  under 
M'lntosh,  and  Tookaubatchians  under  the  Mad 
Dog's  Son,  fell  in  on  our  flanks,  and  fought  with 
an  intrepidity  worthy  of  any  troops. 

At  9  o'clock,  the  enemy  was  completely  driven 
from  the  plain,  and  the  houses  of  both  towns  wrap- 
ped in  flames.  As  we  were  then  60  miles  from  any 
depot  of  provisions,  srnd  our  five  days'  rations  pretty 
much  reduced,  in  the  heart  of  an  enemy's  country, 
which,  in  a  few  moments,  could  have  poured  from 
its  numerous  towns,  hosts  of  the  fiercest  warriors — 
as  soon  as  the  dead  and  wounded  were  properly  dis- 
posed of,  I  ordered  the  place  to  be  abandoned,  and 
the  troops  to  commence  their  march  to  Chatahou- 
chie. 

It  is  difficult  to  determine  the  strength  of  the  ene- 
my, but  from  the  information  of  some  of  the  chiefs, 
which  it  is  said  can  be  relied  on,  there  were  assem- 
bled at  Autoussee,  warriors  from  eight  towns,  for  its 
defence,  it  being  their  beloved  ground,  on  which 
they  proclaimed  no  white  man  could  approach 
without  inevitable  destruction.  It  is  difficult  to 
giveapreciie  account  of  the  loss  of  the  enemy; 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  l35 

m 

but  from  the  number  which  were  lying  scattered 
over  the  field,  together  with  those  destroyed  in 
the  towns,  and  the  many  slain  on  the  bank  of  the 
river,  which  respectable  officers  affirm  they  saw 
laying  in  heaps  at  the  water's  edge,  where  they  had 
been  precipitated  by  their  surviving  friends,  their 
loss  in  killed,  independent  of  their  wounded,  must 
have  been  at  least  200,  [among  whom  were  the 
Autoussee  and  Tallassee  kings]  and  from  the  cir- 
cumstance of  their  making  no  efforts  to  molest  our 
return,  probably  greater.  The  number  of  buildings 
burnt,  some  of  a  superiour  order  for  the  dwellings  of 
savages,  and  filled  with  valuable  articles,  is  suppo- 
sed to  be  400. 

Adjt.  Gen.  Newnan  rendered  important  services 
during  the  action,  by  his  cool  and  deliberate  cour- 
age. My  aid,  Major  Crawford,  discharged  with 
promptitude  the  duties  of  a  brave  and  meritorious 
officer.  Maj.  Pace,  who  acted  as  field  aid,  also 
distinguished  himself ;  both  these  gentlemen  had 
their  horses  shot  under  them,  and  the  latter  lost 
his.  Dr.  Williamson,  hospital  surgeon,  and  Dr. 
Clopton,  were  prompt  and  attentive  in  the  dis- 
charge of  their  duty  towards  the  wounded,  during 
the  action. 

Major  Freeman,  at  the  head  of  Irwin's  troop  of 
cavalry,  and  part  of  Steele's,  made  a  furious  and 
successful  charge  upon  a  body  of  Indians,  sabred  se- 
veral and  completely  defeated  them  ;  Capt.  Thom- 
as and  his  company,  Capt.  Adams  and  Lieut.  Hen- 


96  MEMOIRS  OF 

don's  rifle  companies,  killed  a  great  many  Indian*, 
and  deserve  particular  praise  :  Capt  Barton's  com- 
pany was  in  the  hottest  of  the  battle,  and  fought 
like  soldiers.  Capt.  Myric,  Capt.  Little,  Capt. 
King,  Capt  Broadnax,  Capt.  Cleveland,  Capt.  Jo- 
seph T.  Cunningham,  and  Capt.  Lee,  with  their 
companies,  distinguished  themselves.  Brig.  Gen. 
Shackleford  was  of  great  service  in  bringing  the 
troops  into  action  ;  a  id  Aljt.  Broad  sax,  and  Major 
Montgomery,  who  acted  as  assista  t  Adjutant,  show- 
ed great  activity  and  courage.  Major  Booth  used 
his  best  Endeavours  in  bringing  his  battalion  to  ac- 
tion, and  Maj.  Watson's  battalion  acted  with  con- 
siderable spirit.  Irwin's,  Patterson's,  and  Steele's 
troops  of  cavalry,  whenever  an  opportunity  present- 
ed, charged  with  success.  Lieut.  Strong  had  his 
horse  shot,  and  narrowly  escaped,  and  Quarter 
Master  Tennell  displayed  the  greatest  heroism,  and 
miraculously  escaped,  though  badly  wounded,  after 
having  his  horse  shot  from  under  him.  The  topo- 
graphical engineer  was  vigilant  in  his  endeavours 
to  render  service. 

The  troops  deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their 
fortitude  in  enduring  hunger,  coid,  and  fatigue, 
without  a  murmur,  having  marched  120  miles  in 
seven  days. 

The  friendly  Indians  lost  several  killed  and  wound- 
ed, the  number  not  exactly  known.  Capt.  Barton, 
an  active  and  intelligent  officer,  (the  bearer  of  these 
dispatches)  can  more  particularly  explain  to  your 


ANDREW  JACKSON'. 

excellency  the  conduct,  movements,  and  opera- 
tions of  the  army." 

The  importance  of  this  victory  may  he  duly  ap- 
preciated, when  it  is  considered,  that  besides  the 
death  of  two  kings,  and  two  hundred  warriors- 
double  that  number  wounded — and  four  hundred 
superiour  Indian  residences  destroyed  ;  the  religious 
charm  that  had  led  them  on  to  desperation,  was 
dissolved.  Upon  "  their  beloved  ground  on  -which 
they  proclaimed  no  white  man  could  approach,  zvith- 
out  inevitable  destruction,"  they  saw  their  chiefs  and 
warriors  fall — their  houses  consume,  ancKthe  whites 
lose  but  eleven  men. 

It  is  a  little  singular  that  Gen.  Floyd  should 
mention  every  officer  that  was  wounded,  and  even 
every  officer's  horse  that  was  killed,  and  omit  to 
mention,  that  he  was  very  badly  wounded  himself. 
A  brave  man  is  always  modest  in  regard  to  his  own 
merits  ;  but  the  general  seemed  to  have  that  modes- 
ty, which  may  be  denominated,  false,  in  omitting  this 
in  his  official  report. 

While  these  interesting  events  were  taking  place 
in  one  part  of  the  Creek  country,  Gen.  Jackson 
was  placed  in  a  most  unpleasant,  not  .to  say  peril- 
ous, situation,  at  Fort  Strother.  His  volunteers, 
who  had  become  familiar  with  service,  by  descend- 
ing the  Mississippi  the  preceding  campaign,  and 
who,  with  the  Tennessee  militia,  had  become  fami- 
liar with  victory  over  the  Creeks,  began  to  look 
toward  home,  for  the  ease  and  tranquillity  of  private 

9 


*s 


MEMOIRS  Q* 


life,  and  to  the  ordinary  pursuits  of  private  business, 
as  the  means  of  advancing  private   interest.     No 
man  in  the  service  had  more  reasons  to  wish  and 
pant  for  retirement,  than  Gen.  Jackson.     His  so- 
licitude as  commander — his  extremely  debilitated 
state  of  health — the  disaffection  of  his  men — the 
deficiency  of  supplies  for  his  army — the  conduct  of 
the  East  Tennessee  militia,   under  Gen.   Cocke, 
and  the  open  mutiny  of  some  part  of  his  army, 
presented  a  tissue  of  discouraging  considerations, 
which  would  have  disheartened  a  man  of  more  than 
ordinary  fortitude.     Had  he  retired  from  the  ser- 
vice of  his  country  at  this  time,  he  would  have  re- 
tired with  honour  and  with  approbation.     But  he 
believed,  and  he  acted  upon  the  principle,  that 
until  "  all  was  done,  nothing  was  done."     He  knew 
that  the  hopes  of  the  frontier  settlers  of  Tennessee 
and  Georgia  were  fixed  upon  him ;  he  knew  that 
they  had  derived  encouragement  from  his  successes, 
and  that  from  his  exertions  they  hoped  to  be  placed 
in  a  state  of  permanent  security.     Having  encoun- 
tered and  overcome  difficulties  before,  he  resolved 
to  encounter  them  again,   for  he  was  now  in  the 
midst  of  them. 

The  "  Tennessee  Volunteers"  claimed  to  be 
discharged  on  the  ground  of  having  served  one 
year  out  of  two,  from  the  time  they  were  organized. 
Many  of  the  officers,  who  belonged  to  this  corps, 
deserted  the  ground  they  ought  to  have  maintained 
as  soldiers,  and  resorted  to  argumenti  which  would 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  99 

have  disgraced  pettifoggers.  Although  they  had 
not  served  a  year,  they  had  for  that  period  heen 
organized,  and  they  were  very  much  disposed  to 
give  weight  to  arguments  which  coincided  with 
their  inclinations.  They  resolved  to  leave  a  wil- 
derness where  they  were  surrounded  hy  implacable 
enemies ;  exposed  to  severe  privations,  and  in  ex- 
pectation of  enduring  the  dreadful  horrors  of  fa- 
mine. Gen.  Jackson  exerted  every  faculty  to 
arouse  their  desponding  spirits.  He  appealed  to 
the  pride  of  the  volunteers,  by  reminding  them  of 
the  expedition  to  Natchez,  and  of  the  victories  which 
they,  and  the  militia,  had  gained  over  the  Creeks. 
He  appealed  to  the  sensibility  of  them  all,  by  re- 
presenting the  danger  of  their  fathers  and  mothers, 
their  wives  and  children.  He  alluded  to  the  mas- 
sacre at  Fort  Mimms,  in  Mississippi,  and  endeavour- 
ed to  arouse  their  revenge.  He  endeavoured  to 
excite  their  vanity,  by  speaking  of  the  fame  the 
•'  Tennessee  Volunteers"  had  acquired  at  Tallus- 
hatches  and  Talladega.  But  every  avenue  to  per- 
suasion was  closed.  The  cogent  addresses  of  the . 
general,  were  lost  upon  the  apathy  of  the  soldiers, 
and  the  volunteers  became  mutineers.  The  gene- 
ral laid  aside  the  language  of  entreaty  and  assumed 
that  of  command.  He  prevented,  at  the  hazard  of 
his  life,  the  departure  of  the  troops  :  but  soon 
found  that  an  army  which  required  one  half  of  it 
to  guard  the  other,  had  no  efficiency.  He  ordered 
them  to  be  marched  home,  and  to  be  disposed  of 
bv  the  President,  or  the  Governour  of  Tenne^e^. 


*00  MEMOIRS  OF 

It  was  now  about  the  middle  of  December. 
Gen.  Cocke,  had  for  the  first  time  joined  Gen. 
Jackson ;  but  upon  finding  the  time  for  which  his 
men  were  enlisted,  had  nearly  expired,  and  that  he 
could  not  hope  from  patriotism,  what  he  could  not 
enforce  by  power,  he  ordered  Gen.  Cocke  to  march 
his  troops  home.  But  few  troops  now  remained 
with  Gen.  Jackson.  Soon  after  the  battle  of  Tal- 
ladega, Brig.  Gen.  Coffee's  mounted  volunteers  and 
cavalry,  were  permitted  to  retire  into  the  settle- 
ments, to  recruit  their  horses.  They  were  to 
rendezvous  at  Huntsville,  in  Mississippi,  upon  the 
8th  December,  where  Gen.  Coffee  was  dangerously 
sick.  Upon  this  excellent  officer  and  his  gallantmen, 
Gen,  Jackson  placed  the  most  confident  reliance. 
They  rendezvoused  upon  the  8th;  but  they  had 
caught  the.  infection  that  pervaded  the  infantry — 
the  fever  of  private  life.  They  however  proceeded 
toward  head-quarters ;  but  they  were  no  longer 
**  the  men  they  mere."  It  must  always  be  admitted, 
'  that  they  had  already  rendered  essential  service  to 
their  country,  and  it  was  the  reputation  they  had 
acquired,  that  rendered  it  desirable  to  have  them 
continue  in  the  service.  Gen.  Jackson,  seconded 
in  all  his  views  by  the  gallant  Coffee,  and  by  many 
patriots  of  the  first  water,  exerted  again  his  great 
powers ;  but  exerted  them  in  vain.  Gov.  Blount 
ordered  the  volunteers  to  be  dismissed,  and  they 
returned  home. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  101 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


General  Jackson's  situation  at  the  commencement  of 
1814 — his  hopes  revive — Victory  at  Eccanachaca ,  or 
Holy  Ground — Witherford,  the  Indian  Prophet — Col. 
Carroll  joins  Gen.  Jackson — Victories  at  Emuckfazv, 
Jan.  22d — at  Enotachopco,  the  £4th — Gen.  Jack- 
son's official  report  of  them — Applause  bestowed  up- 
on soldiers. 


GEN.  JACKSON  was  now  in  a  situation  which 
required  all  the  fortitude  of  the  man — all  the  nerve 
of  the  soldier,  and  all  the  sagacity  of  the  statesman. 
He  held  frequent  communications  with  Gov.  Blount 
of  Tennessee,  Gov.  Early  of  Georgia,  and  Maj. 
Gen.  Pinckney  ;  and  his  opinion  seemed  to  be  a 
guide  for  theirs.  Certain  it  is,  that  Gov.  Blount, 
toward  the  close  of  1813,  owing  to  the  disaffection 
of  the  Tennessee  troops,  and  the  reluctance  with 
which  volunteers  appeared,  recommended  an  aban- 
donment of  the  expedition  into  the  Creek  country. 
The  urgent  and  cogent  expostulations  of  Gen. 
Jackson,  induced  him  to  change  his  opinion,  and  to 
resort  to  the  most  energetic  measures  to  prosecute 
the  war  which  had  been  so  successfully  commenced 
by  him. 

Perhaps  the  situation  of  Gen.  Jackson,  at  this 

time,  cannot  be  better  described  than  it  is  in  the 

following  letter,  written  by  a  gentleman,  known  by 

the  author  to  be  of  the  first  respectability, 

9* 


16S  MEMOIRS    OF 

Huntsville,  M.  T.  Dec.  23,  1813, 
"  Since  the  battle  of  Tallushatches  and  Tallade- 
ga,  the  army  of  Gen.  Jackson  has  crumbled  to  pie- 
ces.    The   whole    of  his   volunteer    infantry    are 
returning  home — insisting  that  their  time  of  service 
expired  on  the  10th  of  this  month,  being  the  adver- 
sary of  their  rendezvous  at  Nashville.    The  general, 
however,  did  not  discharge  them  ;  the  decision  is 
left  with  the  governour  of  Tennessee.    What  he  will 
do,  is  not  yet  known.     The  universal  impression, 
however,  is,  that  they  will  be  discharged.     Yet 
nothing  is  more  clear  than  that  they  have  not  ser- 
ved 12   months — and  they  were,  by  law,  to  serve 
( 2  months  in  a  period  of   2  years,   unless  sooner 
discharged.     The  general's  force  now  at  fort  Stro- 
iher,  Ten  Islands  of  Coosa,  may  amount  to  about 
1 500  men,  chiefly  drafted  militia.     Of  these,  nearly 
the  whole  will  be  entitled  to  discharge  about  the 
1th  of  the  ensuing  month.     It  is  supposed  that  not 
more  than  150,  or  200,   (who  are  attached  to  the 
general  personally,  and  will  remain  through  motives 
of  affection,)  will  be  left  with  him  after  that  day. 
Doubtless  you  know  that  the  brigade   of  cavalry 
volunteers  and  mounted  riflemen  under  the  com- 
mand of  Gen.  Coffee,  were  some  time  since  ordered 
into  the  settlements  to  recruit  their  horses  for  a  few 
days,  and  procure  new  ones.     About  half,  perhaps 
800,  appeared  at  the  day  and  place  of  rendezvous  ; 
but  of  these  not  more  than  600  would  consent  to 
jo  on  after  the  10th.     About  half  of  this  last  num 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  108 

ber  were  of  the  old  volunteer  cavalry,  the  rest 
mounted  men,  newly  raised.  The  first  will  cer- 
tainly return  with  the  volunteer  infantry,  their  term 
commencing  and  expiring  together.  The  last  claim 
a  discharge  at  the  expiration  of  three  months  from 
the  day  they  were  mustered  into  service  ;  which 
must  be  nearly  out.  We  may  say,  then,  that  all 
these  are  gone  too.  Yet  Gen.  Jackson  has  very 
recently  received  an  order  from  Gen.  Pinckney,  to 
garrison  and  maintain  every  inch  of  ground  he  gains* 
And  although  all  active  exertions  of  the  campaign 
seem  to  be  paralysed,  1  still  hope  this  may,  and  will 
be  done.  Gen.  Cocke  is  now  in  East  Tennessee,  en- 
deavouring to  collect  anew  levy;  as  to  his  success  we 
know  nothing.  But  Gen.  Roberts,  from  West  Ten- 
nessee, passed  through  our  county  three  days  ago., 
and  has  just  crossed  the  river  with  about  250  men. 
Col.  Carrol,  inspector-general  of  this  army,  arrived 
to  day  with  a  force  of  5  or  600,  and  4  companies 
-are  proposed  to  be  sent  from  this  county.  How 
long  these  men  are  to  serve,  I  know  not — not  longer 
I  fancy  than  three  months.  I  trust,  however,  that 
this  system  of  short  service,  wretched  as  it  is  ineffi- 
cient, and  expensive  above  all  others,  will  yet  enable 
Jackson  to  occupy  till  springthe  ground  he  has  won. 
Perhaps  the  return  of  moderate  weather,  and  great 
efforts  meanwhile,  may  collect  around  I  is  banner, 
an  army  sufficient  to  effect  the  complete  discomfit- 
ure and  prostration  of  the  Creek  power.  This, 
however,  will  be  every  day  a  work  of  greater  diffi- 


104  MEMOIRS  OP 

eulty.  The  English  have  already  appeared  in 
force  at  Pensacola,  7  sail  having  troops  on  board, 
besides  two  bomb  vessels.  Orleans  will  be  mena- 
ced. Mobile  is  considered  in  great  danger.  The 
force  on  the  Tombigbee  waters,  and  the  3d  regiment 
ascending  the  Alabama,  will  be  called  to  its  defence. 
This  gives  the  Creeks  breathing  time,  and  lessens 
the  force  destined  to  crush  them.  Augustine,  too. 
will  doubtless  be  occupied  by  British  troops  ;  and 
from  these  points,  arms,  amunition,  and  perhaps 
men  and  leaders,  will  be  pushed  to  the  aid  of  the 
Upper  and  Middle  Creeks.  The  Siminoles  and 
the  runaway  negroes  among  them,  may  be  turned 
loose  upon  the  sea  coast  of  Georgia." 

To  experienced  officers  and  soldiers,  who  know 
the  importance  of  efficient  authority  in  a  com- 
mander, and  the  necessity  of  strict  obedience  in 
an  army,  the  circumstances  in  which  Gen.  Jackson 
was  placed,  would  be  considered  as  calculated  to 
excite  apprehensions,  if  not  discouragement.  His 
army  was  an  anomaly  in  military  tactics.  It  would 
remind  a  spectator  of  a  board  of  actors  at  a  theatre, 
who  individually  entered  the  stage — performed  the 
part  of  a  commedian  or  a  tragedian,  and  made 
each  one  his  exit,  as  whim  or  fancy  dictated — and 
returned  at  the  call  of  the  manager,  or  disappeared 
forever. 

The  firmness,  the  constancy,  and  the  courage  of 
Gen.  Jackson,  increased  as  the  prospects  of  suc- 
cess diminished.     As  to  his  enemies,  the  Creek?. 


ANDREW  J ACKSOX.  i  (J.; 

he  was  ready  to  meet  them  with  almost  any  dis- 
parity of  force.  To  meet  them  was  to  conquer 
them.  But  to  see  his  friends  disheartened,  and  his 
secret  enemies  plotting  his  discomfiture,  was  "  the 
unkinchst  cut  of  allf1  and  would  have  justified  him 
in  exclaiming,  with  a  most  pathetic  bard — 

tl  The  shaft  that  deepest  in  my  bosom  went, 
•'•  Flew  from  the  bow  pretended  friendship  ben.t.v 

General  Jackson  found  every  appeal  he  made  to 
the  patriotism  of  the  troops,  when  the  day  of  dis- 
charge arrived,  wholly  fruitless,  and  he  no  longer 
attempted  to  detain  them.  It  was  to  him  a  source 
of  real  consolation,  however,  that  a  number  of  per- 
sonal friends  and  accomplished  officers,  remained 
true  to  him,  to  their  country,  and  to  their  God« 
From  them,  he  knew  he  should  derive  every  assist- 
ance in  preparing  the  new  recruits,  who  were  as- 
sembling at  Huntsville,  in  Mississippi,  and  who  had 
not  become  infected  with  mutiny. 

As  the  most  impervious  darkness  is  said  to  per- 
vade the  horizon  immediately  before  the  dawn  of 
day,  so  when  the  darkest  clouds  of  adversity  en- 
veloped Gen.  Jackson,  and  his  few  patriotic  asso- 
ciates, the  most  cheering  reverse  of  fortune  was 
at  hand. 

Although  there  was  no  immediate  connection  be- 
tween the  volunteers  upon  the  Alabama  river,  under 
the  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Claiborne,  yet  the 
.  under  each,  as  well  as  those  under  the  gal- 


106  MEMOIRS   OF 

lant  Gen.  Floyd,  all  acted  in  concert.  Gen.  Jack- 
son was  constantly  advised  of  their  movements, 
and  constantly  exerting  himself  to  relieve  them. 
He  had  no  wish  to  monopolize  the  glory  of  conquer- 
ing the  most  warlike  tribe  of  barbarians  in  the 
universe.  He  wished  for  no  laurels,  but  the  gratitude 
of  his  countrymen,  for  the  protection  which  he  and 
other  gallant  officers  and  soldiers,  might  secure 
for  them. 

About  the  1st  January,  1814,  he  received  the 
animating  intelligence  that  Gen.  Claiborne  had 
acheived  an  important  victory  upon  the  Alabama, 
more  than  one  hundred  miles  above  Fort  Stoddart, 
his  head  quarters.  The  town  where  the  battle  was 
fought,  was  called  Eccanachaca,  or  Holy  Ground, 
it  was  the  residence  of  Witherford,  Francis,  and 
Sinquister,  principal  prophets.  It  was  built  since 
the  commencement  of  hostilities  as  a  place  of  secu- 
rity for  the  natives,  and  as  a  depot  for  provisions. 
Like  Autoussee,  it  was  deemed  the  grave  of  white 
men.  Upon  the  23d  December,  it  was  attacked  ; 
between  thirty  and  forty  warriors  were  slain  :  the 
whole  town,  of  200  houses,  destroyed,  and  an  immense 
quantity  of  provisions  taken.  The  town  being  sur- 
rounded by  swamps  and  deep  ravines,  facilitated 
the  escape  of  the  savages  from  the  pursuit  of  the 
Americans.  The  next  day,  a  town  o'f  sixty  houses, 
about  eight  miles  above  the  holy  ground,  was  de- 
stroyed ;  together  with  three  distinguished  Indiana 
and  all  the  Indian's  boats. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  10? 

Witherford,  the  Indian  Prophet  just  mentioned, 
was  the  commander  of  the  Indians,  in  their  furious 
and  murderous  attack  upon  Fort  Mimms,  at  Tensazv 
settlement,  in  Mississippi.  He  narrowly  escaped 
capture,  and  continued  to  fight  with  the  rage  of  a 
fanatic,  the  fury  of  a  daemon,  and  the  diabolical 
ferocity  of  a  devil  incarnate,  until,  saturated  with 
the  blood  of  Americans,  and  witnessing  the  almost 
total  extinction  of  his  own  tribe,  he  voluntarily  and 
dauntlessly,  flung  himself  into  the  hands  of  Gen. 
Jackson,  and  demanded  his  protection*  He  will 
again  be  mentioned. 

While  these  interesting  events  were  transpiring 
upon  the  Alabama,  a  newly  organized  corps  were 
raising  in  Tennessee  and  Mississippi,  to  resort  to  the 
standard  of  Gen.  Jackson,  who  were  designed,  with 
those  who  should  follow  them,  to  put  an  end  to  the 
most  sanguinary  war  which  savage  vengeance, 
aided  by  British  gold,  and  Spanish  perfidy,  ever 
prosecuted. 

A  gallant  officer  now  commenced  his  military 
career,  which  was  consummated  at  New  Orleans, 
by  a  crown  of  unfading  laurels — Col.  Carroll. 
He  proceeded  to  Fort  Strother  upon  the  2d  Janu- 
ary, 1814,  to  concert  measures  with  Gen.  Jackson. 
They  were  concerted,  and  executed  with  a  celerity 
which  may  well  astonish  the  veteran  marshals  of 
Europe. 

It  would  be  unpardonable  in  the  authour  to  at- 
tempt to  detail  them  in  his  own  language,  since  he 


108  MEMOIRS  OF 

has  it  in  his  power,  to  present  the  reader  with  the 
deeply  interesting  official  report  which  follows* 

Maj.  Gen.  JACKSON,  )  {q  i  Maj.Gen.  P1NCKNEY, 

oi  Tennessee  Volunteers,  )        )      of  the  U.  S.  Army. 

Head  Quarters,  Fort  Strother,  Jan.  29,  1814. 
Maj.  Gen.    Thomas  Pinckney, 

Sir — I  had  the  honour  of  informing  you  in  a  letter 
of  the  31st  ult.  [express]  of  an  excursion  I  con- 
templated making  still  further  in  the  enemy's  coun- 
try, with  the  new  raised  volunteers  from  Tennessee. 
I  had  ordered  those  troops  to  form  a  junction  with 
me  on  the  10th  inst.  hut  they  did  not  arrive  until 
the  14th.  Their  number,  including  officers,  was 
about  800,  and  on  the  15th,  I  marched  them  across 
the  river  to  graze  their  horses.  On  the  next  day  I 
followed  with  the  remainder  of  my  force,  consisting 
of  the  artillery  company,  with  one  six  pounder, 
one  company  of  infantry  of  48  men,  two  companies 
of  spies  commanded  by  Capts.  Gordon  and  Russell, 
of  about  30  men  each,  and  a  company  of  volunteer 
officers,  headed  by  Gen.  Coffee,  who  had  been 
abandoned  by  his  men,  and  who  still  remained  in 
the  field  awaiting  the  orders  of  the  government ; 
making  my  force,  exclusive  of  Indians,  nine  hun- 
dred and  thirty. 

The  motives  which  influenced  me  to  penetrate 
still  farther  into  the  enemy's  country,  with  this 
force,  were  many  and  urgent.  The  term  of  service 
of  the   new    raised   volunteers  was    short. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  1  09 

considerable  part  of  it  was  expired  ;  they  were  ex- 
pensive to  the  government,  and  were  full  of  ardour 
to  meet  the  enemy.  The  ill  effects  of  keeping 
soldiers  of  this  description  long  stationary  and  idle, 
I  had  been  made  to  feel  but  too  sensibly  already — 
other  causes  concurred  to  make  such  a  movement 
not  only  justifiable,  but  absolutely  necessary.  I 
had  received  a  letter  from  Capt.  M'Alpin,  of  the 
5th  inst.  who  commanded  at  Fort  Armstrong  in  thh 
absence  of  Col.  Snodgrass,  informing  me  that  14 
or  15  towns  of  the  enemy,  situated  on  the  waters 
of  the  Tallapoosa,  were  about  uniting  their  forces, 
and  attacking  that  place,  which  had  been  left  in  a 
very  feeble  state  of  defence.  You  had  in  your  let- 
ter of  the  24th  ult.  informed  me  that  Gen.  Floyd 
was  about  to  make  a  movement  to  the  Tallapoosa, 
near  its  junction  with  the  Coosa  ;  and  in  the  same 
letter,  had  recommended  temporary  excursions 
against  such  of  the  enemy's  towns,  or  settlements, 
as  might  be  within  striking  distance,  as  well  to 
prevent  my  men  from  becoming  discontented,  as 
to  harass  the  enemy.  Your  ideas  corresponded 
exactly  with  my  own,  and  I  was  happy  in  the  op- 
portunity of  keeping  my  men  engaged,  distressing 
the  enemy,  and  at  the  same  time  making  a  diver- 
sion to  facilitate  the  operations  of  Gen.  Floyd. 

Determined  by  these  and  other  considerations,  I 

took  up  the  line  of  march  on  the  1 7th  inst.  and  on 

.  the  18th,  encamped  at  Talladega  Fort,  where  I  was 

joined  by  between  2  and  300  friendly  Indians  :  6& 

10 


110  MEMOIRS  OP 

of  whom  were  Cherokees,  the  balance  Creeks. 
Here  I  received  your  letter  of  the  9th  inst.  stating 
that  Gen.  Floyd  was  expected  to  make  a  movement 
from  Cowetau  the  next  day,  and  that  in  10  days 
thereafter  he  would  establish  a  firm  position  at 
Tuckbatchee ;  and  also  a  letter  from  Col.  Snod- 
grass,  who  had  returned  to  Fort  Armstrong,  inform- 
ing me  that  an  attack  was  intended  to  be  soon 
made  on  that  Fort,  by  900  of  the  enemy.  If  I 
could  have  hesitated  before,  I  could  now  hesitate 
no  longer.  I  resolved  to  lose  no  time  in  meeting 
this  force,  which  was  understood  to  have  been  col- 
lected from  New  Yorcau,  Oakfuskie,  and  Ufauley 
towns,  and  were  concentrated  in  a  bend  of  the 
Tallapoosa,  near  the  mouth  of  a  creek,  called 
Emuckfau,  and  on  an  Island  below  New  Yorcau. 
On  the  morning  of  the  20th  your  letter  of  the 
10th  inst.  forwarded  by  M'Candles,  reached  me  at 
the  Hillabee  Creek  ;  and  that  night  I  encamped  at 
Enotachopco,  a  small  Hillabee  village,  about  twelve 
miles  from  Emuckfau.  Here  I  began  to  perceive 
very  plainly  how  little  knowledge  my  spies  had  of 
the  country,  of  the  situation  of  the  enemy,  or  of 
the  distance  I  was  from  them.  The  insubordina- 
tion of  the  new  troops,  and  the  want  of  skill  in 
most  of  their  officers,  also  became  more  and  more 
apparent.  But  their  ardour  to  meet  the  enemy 
was  not  diminished  ;  and  I  had  a  sure  reliance  upon 
the  guards,  and  upon  the  company  of  old  volunteer 
officers,  and  upon  the  spies,  in  all  about  1  ? •'-.     My. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  1 1  J 

wishes  and  my  duty  remained  united,  and  I  was 
determined  to  effect,  if  possible,  the  objects  for 
which  the  excursion  had  been  principally  under- 
taken. 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  I  marched  from  Eno- 
tachopco,  as  direct  as  I  could  for  the  bend  of  the 
Tallapoosa,  and  about  2  o'clock,  P.  M.  my  spies 
having  dicovered  two  of  the  enemy,  endeavoured 
to  overtake  them,  but  failed.  In  the  evening  I  fell 
in  upon  a  large  trail,  which  led  to  a  new  road,  much 
beaten,  and  lately  travelled.  Knowing  that  I  must 
have  arrived  within  the  neighbourhood  of  a  strong 
force,  and  it  being  late  in  the  day,  I  determined  to 
encamp,  and  reconnoitre  the  country  in  the  night. 
I  chose  the  best  scite  the  country  would  admit,  en- 
camped in  a  hollow  square,  sent  out  my  spies  and 
pickets,  doubled  my  sentinels,  and  made  the  neces- 
sary arrangements  before  dark,  for  a  night  attack. 
About  10  o'clock  at  night,  one  of  the  pickets  fired 
at  three  of  the  enemy,  and  killed  one,  but  he  was 
not  found  until  the  next  day.  At  eleven  o'clock 
the  spies  whom  I  had  sent  out,  returned  with  the 
information,  that  there  was  a  large  encampment  of 
Indians  at  the  distance  of  about  three  miles,  who 
from  their  whooping  and  dancing,  seemed  to  be  ap- 
prized of  our  approach.  One  of  these  spies,  an 
Indian  in  whom  I  had  great  confidence,  assured  me 
that  they  were  carrying  off  their  women  and  chil- 
dren, and  that  the  warriors  would  either  make  their 
escape,  or  attack  me  before  day.     Being  prepared 


112  MEMOIRS    OF 

at  all  points,  nothing  remained  to  be  done  but  u? 
await  their  approach,  if  they  meditated  an  attack. 
or  to  be  in  readiness,  if  they  did  not,  to  pursue  and 
attack  them  at  day  light.  While  we  were  in  this 
state  of  readiness,  the  enemy  about  six  o-clock  in 
the  morning,  commenced  a  vigorous  attack  on  my 
left  flank,  which  was  vigorously  met ;  the  action 
continued  to  rage  on  my  left  flank,  and  on  the  left 
of  my  rear,  for  about  half  an  hour.  The  brave 
Gen.  Coffee,  with  Col.  Sitler,  the  Adjt.  Gen.  and 
Col.  Carroll,  the  Inspector-General,  the  moment 
the  firing  commenced,  mounted  their  horses  and 
repaired  to  the  line,  encouraging  and  animating 
the  men  to  the  performance  of  their  duty.  So  soon 
as  it  became  light  enough  to  pursue,  the  left  wing 
having  sustained  the  heat  of  the  action,  and  being 
somewhat  weakened,  was  reinforced  by  Capt.  Fer- 
rilPs  company  of  infantry,  and  was  ordered  and  led 
on  to  the  charge  by  Gen.  Coffee,  who  was  well 
supported  by  Col.  Higgins  and  the  Inspector-Gene- 
ral, and  by  all  the  officers  and  privates  who  com- 
posed that  line.  The  enemy  was  completely  rout- 
ed at  every  point,  and  the  friendly  Indians  joining 
in  the  pursuit,  they  were  chased  about  two  miles 
with  considerable  slaughter. 

The  chase  being  over,  I  immediately  detached 
Gen.  Coffee  with  400  men,  and  all  the  Indian  force, 
to  burn  their  encampment ;  but  it  was  said  by  some 
to  be  fortified.  I  ordered  him,  in  that  event,  not 
to  attack  it  until  the  artillery  could  be  sent  forward 


ANDREW  JACRf  1  \S 

to  reduce  it.     On  viewing  the  encampment  and 
strength,  the  general  thought  it  most  prudent  to  return 
to  my  encampment,  and  guard  the  artillery  thither. 
The  wisdom  of  this  step  was  soon  discovered — in 
half  an  hour  after  his  return  to  camp,  a  considera- 
ble force  of  the  enemy  made  its  appearance  on  my 
right  flank,  and  commenced  a  brisk  fire  on  a  party 
ofr  men,  who  had  been  on  picket  guard  the  night 
before,  and  were  then  in  search  of  the  Indians  they 
had  fired  upon,  some  of  whom  they  believed  had 
been  killed.     Gen.  Coffee  immediately  requested 
me  to  let  him   take   200  men,  and  turn  their  left 
flank,  which  I  accordingly  ordered  ;  but,  through 
some  mistake,  which  I  did  not  then  observe,  not 
more  than  54  followed  him,  among  whom  were  the 
old  volunteer  officers.     With  these,  however,  he 
immediately  commenced  an  attack  on  the  left  flank 
of  the  enemy  ;  at  which  time  I  ordered  200  of  the 
friendly  Indians,  to  fall  in  upon  the   right  flank  of 
the  enemy,  and  co-operate  with  the  general.     This 
order  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  on  the  moment  of'. 
its  execution,  what  I  expected  was  realized.     The 
enemy  had  intended  the  attack  on  the  right  as  a 
feint,   and,   expecting   to   direct  all  my  attention  • 
thither,  meant  to  attack  me  again,  and  with  their 
main  force  on  the  left  flank,  which  they  had  hoped 
to  find  weakened  and  in  disorder — they  were  dis- 
appointed.    I  had  ordered  the  left  flank  to  remain 
firm  to  its  place,  and  the   moment  the  alarm  gun 

was  heard  in  that  quarter,  I  repaired  thither,  and 
10* 


114  MEMOIRS  01 

ordered  Capt.  Ferrill,  part  of  rny  reserve,  to  su|* 
port  it.  The  whole  line  met  the  approach  of  the 
enemy  with  astonishing  intrepidity,  and  having 
given  a  few  fires,  they  forthwith  charged  with  great 
vigour — the  effect  was  immediate  and  inevitable. 
The  enemy  fled  with  precipitation,  and  were  pur- 
sued to  a  considerable  distance,  by  the  left  flank 
and  the  friendly  Indians,  with  a  galling  and  des- 
tructive fire.  Col.  Carroll,  who  ordered  the  charge, 
led  on  the  pursuit,  and  Col.  Higgins  and  his  regi- 
ment again  distinguished  themselves. 

In  the  mean  time,  Gen.  Coffee  wras  contending 
with  a  superiour  force  of  the  enemy.  The  Indians 
who  I  had  ordered  to  his  support,  and  who  had  set 
out  for  this  purpose,  hearing  the  firing  on  the  left- 
had  returned  to  that  quarter,  and  when  the  enemy 
were  routed  there,  entered  into  the  chase.  That 
being  now  over,  I  forthwith  ordered  Jim  Fife,  who 
was  one  of  the  principal  commanders  of  the  friend- 
ly Creeks,  with  100  of  his~warriors,  to  execute  my 
first  order.  So  soon  as  he  reached  Gen.  Coffee,  the 
charge  was  made,  and  the  enemy  routed  ;  they 
were  jmfsued  about  three  miles,  and  45  of  them 
slain,  who  were  found.  Gen.  Coffee  was  wounded 
in  the  body,  and  his  aid-de-camp,  A.  Donaldson, 
killed,  together  with  three  others.  Having  brought 
in  and  buried  the  dead,  and  dressed  the  wounded, 
I  ordered  my  camp  to  be  fortified,  to  be  the  better 
prepared  to  repel  any  attack  wrhich  might  be  made 
in  the -night,  determined  to  make  a  return  march 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 


to  Fort  Strother  the  following  day.  Many  causes 
concurred  to  make  such  a  measure  necessary,  as  1 
had  not  set  out  prepared,  or  with  a  view  to  make 
a  permanent  establishment.  I  considered  it  worse 
than  useless  to  advance,  and  destroy  an  empty  en- 
campment. I  had,  indeed,  hoped  to  have  met  the 
enemy  there,  but  having  met  and  beaten  them  a 
little  sooner,  I  did  not  think  it  necessary  or  prudent, 
to  proceed  any  further — not  necessary,  because  I 
had  accomplished  all  I  could  >expect  to  effect  by 
marching  to  their  encampment  ;  and  because  if  it 
was  proper  to  contend  with  and  weaken  their  forces 
still  farther,  this  object  would  be  more  certainly 
attained,  by  commencing  a  return,  which  having  to 
them  the  appearance  of  a  retreat,  would  inspirit 
them  to  pursue  me.  Not  prudent — because  of  the 
number  of  my  wounded  5  of  the  reinforcements 
from  below,  which  the  enemy  might  be  expected 
to  receive  ;  of  the  starving  condition  of  my  horses, 
they  having  had  neither  corn  nor  cane  for  two  days 
and  nights  ;  of  the  scarcity  of  supplies  for  my  men, 
the  Indians  who  joined  me  at  Talladega  having, 
drawn  none,  and  being  wholly  destitute ;  and  be- 
cause, if  the  enemy  pursued  me,  as  it  was  likely 
they  would,  the  diversion  in  favour  of  Gen.  Floyd 
would  be  the  more  complete  and  effectual.  Influ- 
enced by  these  considerations,  I  commenced  my  re- 
turn march,  at  half  after  ten  on  the  23d,  and  was  for- 
tunate enongh  to  reach  Enotachopco  before  nighty 
having   passed   without   interruption,  a  dangerous 


lib  MEMOIRS  OF 

defile  occasioned  by  a  hurricane.  I  again  fortified 
my  camp,  and  having  another  defile  to  pass  in  the 
morning,  across  a  deep  creek,  and  between  two  hills, 
which  I  had  viewed  with  attention  as  I  passed  on, 
and  where  I  expected  I  might  be  attacked,  I  deter- 
mined to  pass  it  at  another  point,  and  gave  directions 
to  my  guide  and  fatigue  men  accordingly.  My  ex- 
pectation of  an  attack  in  the  morning  was  increased 
by  the  signs  of  the  night,  and  with  it  my  caution. 
Before  I  moved  the  wounded  from  the  interiour  of 
my  camp,  I  had  my  front  and  rear  guards  formed, 
as  well  as  my  right  and  left  columns,  and  moved  off 
my  centre  in  regular  order,  leading  down  a  hand- 
some ridge  to  Enotachopco  creek,  at  a  point  where 
i  t  was  clear  of  reed,  except  immediately  on  its  margin. 
I  had  previously  issued  a  general  order,  pointing 
out  the  manner  in  which  the  men  should  be  formed 
in  the  event  of  an  attack  on  the  front  or  rear,  or  on 
the  flanks,  and  had  particularly  cautioned  the  offi- 
cers, to  halt  and  form  accordingly,  the  instant  the 
word  should  be  given. 

The  front  guard  had  crossed  with  part  of  the 
flank  columns,  the  wounded  were  over,  and  the  ar- 
tillery in  the  act  of  entering  the  creek,  when  an 
alarm  gun  was  heard  in  the  rear.  I  heard  it  without 
surprise,  and  even  with  pleasure,  calculating  with 
the  utmost  confidence  on  the  firmness  of  my  troops, 
from  the  manner  in  which  I  had  seen  them  act  i 
the  22d.  I  had  placed  Col.  Carroll  at  the  head  of 
the  centre  column  of  the  rear  guard  :  its  r: 


ANDREW  JACKSQiN.  i  J  * 

lumn  was  commanded  by  Col.  Perkins,  and  its  left 
by  Col.  Stump.  Having  chosen  the  ground,  I  ex- 
pected there  to  have  entirely  cut  off  the  enemy,  by 
wheeling  the  right  and  left  columns  on  their  pivot, 
recrossing  the  creek  above  and  below,  and  falling 
in  upon  their  flanks  and  rear.  But  to  my  astonish- 
ment and  mortification,  when  the  word  was  -gi- 
ven by  Col.  Carroll  to  halt  and  form,  and  a  few 
guns  had  been  fired,  I  beheld  the  right  and  left 
columns  of  the  rear  guard  precipitately  give  way. 
This  shameful  retreat  was  disastrous  in  the  ex- 
treme ;  it  drew  along  with  it  the  greater  part  of 
the  centre  column,  leaving  not  more  than  25  men, 
who  being  formed  by  Col.  Carroll,  maintained  their 
ground  as  long  as  it  was  possible  to  maintain  it,  and 
it  brought  consternation  and  confusion  into  the  cen- 
tre of  the  army,  a  consternation  which  was  not  easily 
removed,  and  a  confusion  which  could  not  be  soon 
restored  to  order.  There  was  then  left  to  repulse 
the  enemy,  the  few  who  remained  of  the  rear  guard, 
the  artillery  company,  and  Capt.  Russell's  company 
of  spies.  They  however,  realized,  and  exceeded 
my  highest  expectations.  Lieut.  Armstrong,  who 
commanded  the  artillery  company  in  the  absence 
of  Capt.  Deaderick,  (confined  by  sickness,")  ordered 
them  to  form  and  advance  to  the  top  of  the  hill, 
whilst  he  and  a  few  others  dragged  up  the  six  poun- 
der. Never  was  more  bravery  displayed  than  on 
this  occasion.  Amidst  the  most  galling  fire  from 
the  enemy,  more  than  ten  times  their  number,  the* 


118  MEMOIRS  OF 

ascended  the  hill,  and  maintained  their  position  un- 
til their  piece  was  hauled  up,  when,  having  levelled 
it,  they  poured  upon  the  enemy  a  fire  of  grape, 
reloaded  and  fired  again,  charged  and  repulsed 
them. 

The  most  deliberate  bravery  was  displayed  by 
Constantine  Perkins  and  Craven  Jackson,  of  the 
artillery,  acting  as  gunners.  In  the  hurry  of  the 
moment,  in  separating  the  gun  from  the  limbers, 
the  rammer  and  picker  of  the  cannon  was  left  tied 
to  the  limber.  No  sooner  was  this  discovered, 
than  Jackson,  amidst  the  galling  fire  of  the  enemy, 
pulled  out  the  ramrod  of  his  musket  a>^d  used  it 
as  a  picker  ;  primed  with  a  cartridge  and  fired  the 
cannon.  Perkins  having  pulled  off  his  bayonet, , 
used  his  musket  as  a  rammer,  drove  down  the  car- 
tridge 5  and  Jackson  using  his  former  plan,  again 
discharged  her.  The  brave  Lieut.  Armstrong, 
just  after  the  first  fire  of  the  cannon,  with  Capt. 
Hamilton,  of  E.  Tennessee,  Bradford  and  M'Ga- 
yock,  all  fell,  the  Lieut,  exclaiming  as  he  lay, 
;i  my  brave  fellows,  some  of  you  may  fall,  but  you 
must  save  the  cannon,"  About  this  time,  a  number 
crossed  the  creek  and  entered  into  the  chase.  The 
brave  Capt.  Gordon  of  the  spies,  who  rushed  from 
the  front,  endeavoured  to  turn  the  flank  of  the  en- 
emy, in  which  he  partially  succeeded,  and  Col. 
Carroll,  Col.  Higgins,  and  Capt.  Elliot  and  Pipkins, 
pursued  the  enemy  for  more  than  two  miles,  who 
fled  in  consternation,  throwing  away  their  pack?; 


ANDREW   JACKSOft.  119 

and  leaving  26  of  their  warriors  dead  on  the  field. 
This  last  defeat  was  decisive,  and  we  were  no  more 
disturbed  by  their  yells,  I  should  do  injustice  to 
my  feelings  if  I  omitted  to  mention  that  the  venera- 
ble Judge  Cocke,  at  the  age  of  65,  entered  into 
engagement,  continued  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy 
with  youthful  ardour,  and  saved  the  life  of  a  fellow 
soldier  by  killing  his  savage  antagonist. 

Our  loss  in  this  affair  was  — killed  and  wounded, 
among  the  former  was  the  brave  Capt.  Hamilton 
from  E.  Tennessee,  who  had  with  his  aged  father 
and  twro  others  of  his  company,  after  the  period  of 
his  engagement  had  expired,  volunteered  his  servi- 
ces for  this  excursion,  and  attached  himself  to  the 
artillery  company.  No  man  ever  fought  more 
bravely  or  fell  more  gloriously  ;  and  by  his  side 
fell  with  equal  bravery  and  glory,  Bird  Evans  of 
the  same  company.  Capt.  Quaries,  who  command- 
ed the  centre  column  of  the  rear  guard,  preferring 
death  to  the  abandonment  of  his  post,  having  ta- 
ken a  firm  stand  in  which  he  was  followed  by  25  of 
his  men,  received  a  wound  in  his  head  of  which  he 
has  since  died. 

In  these  several   engagements,  our  logs  was   20 
killed  and  15  wounded,  4  of  whom  have  since  died. 
-The  loss  of  the  enemy  cannot  be  accurate]}   ascer- 
tained ;   189   of  their   warriors   were  found  d 
buttb  fa]l  considerably  short  of  the  number  ' 

really  killer!.     Their  wounded  can  only   be   2 
at. 


MEMOIRS  OF 

Had  it  not  been  for  the  unfortunate  retreat  of  the 
rear  guard  in  the  affair  of  the  24th  inst,  I  think  I 
could  safely  have  said,  that  no  army  of  militia  ever 
acted  with  more  cool  and  deliberate  bravery  ;  un- 
disciplined and  inexperienced  as  they  were,  their 
conduct  in  the  several  engagements  of  the  22d,  could 
not  have  been  surpassed  by  regulars.     No  men  ever 
met  the  approach  of  an  enemy  with  more  intrepidi- 
ty, or  repulsed  them  with  more   energy.     On  the 
24th,  after  the  retreat  of  the  rear  guard,  they  seem- 
ed to  have   lest  all  their  collectedness,  and  were 
more  difficult    to  be  restored  to    order,   than   any 
troops  I  had  ever  seen.     But  this  was  no  doubt,  ow- 
ing in  a  great  measure,  or  altogether,  to  that  very 
retreat,  and  ought  rather  to  be  ascribed  to  the  want 
of  co  duct  in  many  of  their  officers,  than  any  cow- 
ardice in  the  men,  who,  on   every  occasion,  have 
manifested  a  willingness  to  perform  their  duty,  so 
as  they  knew  it. 
All  the  effects  which  were  designed  to  be  produ- 
ced by   this   excursion,  it  is   believed    have   been 
produced.      If  an    attack    was   meditated    against 
Fort  Armstrong,  that  has  been  prevented.     If  Gen. 
Floyd  is  operating  on  the  east  side  of  the  Talapoo- 
ga,  as  I  suppose   him   to  be,  a  most   fortunate    di- 
version has  been  made  in  his  favour.     The  number 
of  the  enemy  has   been  diminished,  and  the  confi- 
dence  they  may   have  derived  from   the    delays  I 
have  been  made  to  experience,  has  been  destroyed. 
Discontent  has    been  kept  out  of  my  army,  while 


4NDREW  JACKSON  121 

the  troops  who  would  have  been  exposed  to  it,  have 
been  beneficially  employed.  The  enemy's  coun- 
try has  been* explored,  and  a  road  cut  to  the  point 
where  their  force  .will  probably  be  concentrated, 
when  they  shall  be  driven  from  the  country  below. 
But  in  a  report  of  this  kind,  and  to  you,  who  will 
immediately  perceive  them,  it  is  not  necessary  to 
state  the  happy  consequences  which  may  be  ex- 
pected to  result  from  this  excursion.  Unless  I  am 
greatly  mistaken,  it  will  be  found  to  have  hastened 
the  termination  of  the  Creek  war,  more  effectually 
than  any  measure  I  could  have  taken  with  the  troops 
under  my  command.  1  am,  Sir,  with  sentiments  of 
high  respect,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  Maj.  Gen. 

When  it  is  considered  what  troops  Gen.  Jackson 
had  to  command,  and  what  enemies  he  had  to  fight, 
the  two  victories  at  Emuckfau,  on  the  2 2d,  and  the 
signal  one  of  Enotachopco,  on  the  24th,  will  bear 
a  comparison  with  any  in  modern  warfare.  The 
liberal  applause  the  general  bestows  upon  the  brave, 
and  the  excuse  he  finds  for  those  whose  u  retreat 
ought  rather  to  be  ascribed  to  the  want  of  conduct  in 
many  of  their  officers,  than  to  any  cowardice  in  the 
men,"  must  endear  him  forever  to  the  soldier* 
The  "venerable  Judge  Cocke,"  (who  survived,)  and 
"the  brave  Lieut  Jlumstrong,"  and  Capts.  Hamilton 
and  Quarles,  (who  all  fell,)  are  placed,  by  the  ge»~ 

eral's  report,  upon  the  rolls  of  fame. 
11 


122  MEMOIRS  OF 


CHAPTER  IX. 


Gen.  Jackson  prepares  for  a  new  expedition — receives 
an  account  of  the  victory  at  Chatahouckee— adopts  a 
new  mode  to  obtain  supplies — Army  Contractor- — 
Energetic  measures — Great  victory  at  Tohopeka — 
Savage  warfare — British  and  Spanish  emissaries. 

THE  solicitude  evinced  by  Gen.  Jackson,  in  his 
report  incorporated  in  the  last  chapter,  for  the 
safety,  security,  and  success  of  Gen.  Floyd,  could 
not  have  escaped  the  attention  of  the  reader.  It 
must  have  been  greatly  diminished  by  the  signal 
victories  he  therein  so  perspicuously  describes ; 
but  this  did  not  induce  him  to  remit  any  of  his  cus- 
tomary vigilance,  or  to  omit  any  measure  necessary 
to  secure  the  advantage  he  had  gained.  He  had 
u  scotched  the  snake — not  killed  him." 

Gen.  Jackson  had  now  with  him,  his  beloved 
associates,  Brig.  Gen.  Coffee,  Col.  Dyer,  Col. 
Carroll,  Maj.  Reid,  (his  aid.)  and  many  other  ac- 
complished and  patriotic  officers.  The  disaffected 
officers  had  either  retired  to  that  obscurity  which 
was  their  only  safety,  or  remained  envious  specta- 
tors of  that  excellence  which  they  could  not  reach, 
and  detractors  of  those  great  men,  whose  gallant 
exploits  they  had  not  the  courage  to  achieve.  He 
had  a  band  of  new  volunteers,  who  had  suddenly 
become  veterans,  and  familiarized  with  victory. 
But  still  his  force  was  inadequate  to  the  complete 
accomplishment  of  his  primary  object — the  effectu- 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  123 

al  subjugation  of  the  Creeks.  He  knew  that  the 
government  of  the  American  Republic  had  invio- 
lably regarded  all  treaties  made,  and  performed 
every  stipulation  entered  into  with  them.  He 
knew,  and  he  lamented,  the  infatuation  under 
which  they  acted,  and  regreted  that  a  race  of  be- 
ings, possessing  the  most  exalted  courage,  should 
become  victims  in  subserving  the  cause  of  the 
British  and  Spanish  monarchs.  But  his  duty  to 
his  country  was,  with  him,  paramount  to  every 
other  consideration  ;  and  he  was  resolved,  as  long 
as  the  last  glimmer  of  hope  remained  unextinguish- 
ed, not  to  despair  of  the  commonwealth. 

After  the  victories  of  the  22d  and  24th,  he  and 
his  officers,  were  incessantly  engaged  in  disciplin- 
ing the  forces  with  them,  and  incorporating  into 
the  little  army,  such  recruits  as  arrived.  These 
duties  were  entirely  different,  from  those  belonging 
to  officers  in  the  regular  army,  at  a  well  appointed 
cantonment.  There,  the  commanding  and  subor- 
dinate officers  have  specific  duties  to  perform  :  and 
the  soldiers,  so  far  from  thinking  of  disobedience, 
or  plotting  mutinies,  scarcely  utter  a  complaint. 
Gen.  Jackson  had  never  yet  commanded  such  a 
body  of  men,  in  such  a  situation.  His  subordinate 
officers  had  been  his  companions,  and  his  volun- 
teers had  been  his  fellow  citizens.  He  had  de- 
pended more  upon  the  weight^of  his  character,  and 
his  devotion  to  the  service,  than  upon  military 
authority,  to  accomplish  what  he  had  done.     He 


124  MEMOIRS    OF 

i  i,  in  many  instances,  found  that  the  most  urgent 
entreaties,  aod  the  most  energetic  remonstrances, 
were  ineffectual,  and  was  now  resolved  to  exercise 
Ihe  authority  which  was  vested  in  him. 

While  he  was  exerting  every  faculty  which  na- 
tive energ)  and  military  authority,  enabled  him  to 
call  into  operation,  to  prepare  for  more  important 
measures,  he  was  highly  gratified  at  receiving  the 
most  favourable  intelligence  from  the  Georgia  for- 
ces under  Brig.  Gen.  Floyd. 

That  officer  was  stationed,  with  his  troops,  at 
Camp  Defiance,  fifty  miles  west  of  Chatahouchee. 
Upon  the  27th  January,  he  was  assailed  very  early, 
by  a  numerous  horde  of  savages.  The  sentinels 
Were  suddenly  driven  in,  and  a  most  desperate 
Attack  was  commenced  upon  the  lines.  Gen. 
Fioyd  thus  describes  the  engagement. 

"  The  steady  firmness  and  incessant  fire  of  Capt. 
Thomas'  artillery,  and  Capt.  Adams'  riflemen,  pre- 
served our  front  line  :  both  of  these  suffered  greatly. 
The  enemy  rushed  within  30  yards  of  the  artillery, 
and  Capt.  Broadnax,  who  commanded  one  of  the 
picket  guards,  maintained  his  post  with  great  brave- 
ry, until  the  enemy  gained  his  rear,  and  then  cut  his 
way  through  them  to  the  army.  On  this  occasion, 
Timpoochie  Barnuel,  a  half  breed,  at  the  head  of  the 
Uchies,  distinguished  himself,  and  contributed  to  the 
retreat  of  the  picket  guard  :  the  other  friendly  In- 
dians took  refuge  within  our  lines  and  remained  in- 
active, with  the  exception  of  a  few  who  joined  ou? 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  125 

ranks.  So  soon  as  it  became  light  enough  to  dis- 
tinguish objects,  I  ordered  Majors  Watson's  and 
Freeman's  battalions,  to  wheel  up  at  right  angles, 
with  Majors  Booth's  and  Cleveland's  battalions, 
(who  formed  the  right  wing,)  to  prepare  for  the 
charge.  Capt.  Duke  Hamilton's  cavalry,  (who 
had  reached  me  but  the  day  before,)  was  ordered 
to  form  in  the  rear  of  the  right  wing,  to  act  as  cir- 
cumstances should  dictate.  The  order  for  the  charge 
was  promptly  obeyed,  and  the  enemy  fled  in  every 
direction  before  the  bayonet.  The  signal  was 
given  for  the  charge  of  the  cavalry,  who  pursued, 
and  sabred  15  of  the  enemy  ;  who  left  37  dead  on 
the  field.  From  the  effusion  of  blood,  and  the  num- 
ber of  head-dresses  and  war-clubs  found  in  various 
directions,  their  loss  must  have  been  considerable, 
independent  of  the  wounded. 

I  directed  the  friendly  Indians,  wTith  Merriweth- 
er's  and  Ford's  rifle  companies,  accompanied  by 
Capt.  Hamilton's  troop,  to  pursue  them  through 
Callibee  Swamp,  where  they  were  trailed  by  their 
blood,  but  succeeded  in  overtaking  but  one  of  their 
wounded. 

Col.  Newnan  received  three  bails  in  the  com- 
mencement of  the  action,  which  deprived  me  of  the 
services  of  that  gallant  and  useful  officer.  The  as- 
sistant Adjt.  Gen.  Narden,  was  indefatigable  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duty,  and  rendered  important  servi- 
ces :  his  horse  was  wounded  under  him.  The  whole 
ef  the  staffwas  \>  rompt,  and  di  scharged  their  duty  with 
11* 


126  MEMOIRS  OF 

courage  and  fidelity  :  their  vigilance,  the  intrepidi- 
ty of  the  officers,  and  the  firmness  of  the  men,  meet 
my  approbation,  and  deserve  the  praise  of  their 
country.  1  have  to  regret  the  death  of  many  of  my 
brave  fellows,  who  have  found  honourable  graves  in 
the  voluntary  support  of  their  country. 

My  aid-de-camp,  in  executing  my  orders,  had  his 
horse  killed  under  him.  Gen.  Lee  and  Maj.  Pace, 
who  acted  as  additional  aids,  rendered  me  essential 
services,  with  honour  to  themselves,  and  usefulness 
to  the  cause  in  which  they  have  embarked.  Four 
waggon,  and  several  other  horses  were  killed,  and 
two  of  the  artillery  horses  wounded.  While  I 
deplore  the  losses  sustained  .on  this  occasion,  I 
have  the  consolation  to  know,  that  the  men  who 
I  have  the  honour  to  command,  have  done  their 
duty." 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  this  battle,  was 
17  killed,  and  132  wounded.  Gen.  Jackson  found 
that  one  great  object  of  his  last  brilliant  expedition, 
was  effected — the  relief  of  the  Georgia  militia. 

It  was  now  the  first  of  February,  1814.  Gen. 
Jackson's  forces  were  at  Fort  Strother,  where,  al- 
though in  no  immediate  danger  of  famine,  there 
was  by  no  means  a  supply  for  any  length  of  time. 
Gen.  Jackson,  ever  since  he  had  commanded  the 
army  in  the  Creek  country,  had  had  his  attention 
diverted  from  the  great  object  of  a  general — the 
organization  of  his  army — the  introduction  pf  cor- 
rect discipline,  and  preparation  for  active  service* 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  1&7 

Indeed,  he  had  to  perform  the  duty  of  Commis- 
sary, Quarter-master,  and  Commander.  Wash- 
ington was  often  in  this  situation  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution.  He  could  find  an  excuse  for  his  coun- 
trymen, in  the  then  destitute  state  of  the  country  : 
but  for  the  contractors  for  the  southern  army  in 
1814,  there  was  no  excuse.  In  a  country  abound- 
ing in  beeves,  swine,  and  bread  stuffs,  an  army  had 
often  been  driven  to  mutiny  and  desertion  through 
the  apprehension  of  want.  There  is,  probably,  not 
an  officer  in  the  American  service,  but  who  will  con- 
demn the  mode  of  supplying  an  army  by  contrac- 
tors. They  make  the  best  terms  they  can  with 
the  government  for  themselves  ;  the  hardest  pos- 
sible terms  for  the  seller  of  provisions,  and  often 
furnish  the  war-worn  veteran  with  rations  deficient 
in  quantity,  and  miserable  in  quality.  They  think 
of  nothing  but  gaining  a  fortune,  while  the  gallant 
soldiers  who  are  suffering  by  their  frauds,  and  fam- 
ishing by  their  avarice,  are  gaining  victories  for 
their  country. 

Gen.  Jackson,  who  may  emphatically  be  called 
the  Soldier's  Patron,  had  suffered  too  much,  with 
his  brave  soldiers,  for  longer  endurance.  He  sup- 
plied his  army  by  his  own  agents,  leaving  the  con- 
tractors to  pay  the  expence.  When  no  longer  any 
cause  existed  for  complaints  in  his  camp,  he  silenc- 
ed them.  He  caused  a  mutineer  to  be  tried  by  a 
court  martial ;  and  when  condemned  to  die,  he 
approved  of  the  sentence,  and  he  suffered  death. 
He  ordered  every  officer  to  be  arrested  within  fci* 


128  MEM0IR3  OF 

command,  who  should  be  found  exciting  mutiny  or 
disobedience.  He  knew  that  a  crisis  had  arrived 
when  a  great  blow  must  be  struck,  or  the  expedi- 
tion abandoned. 

The  Creeks  had  assembled  in  very  great  force 
at  the  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa,  at  a  place  called  by 
the  savages,  *  Tohopeka — by  the  Americans,  The 
Horse  Shoe.  At  this  place,  the  most  desperate 
resistance,  was  expected ;  and  every  measure, 
within  the  limited  means  of  Gen.  Jackson,  was  re- 
sorted to,  to  meet  it. 

The  39th  Regiment  U.  S.  infantry,  under  the 
command  of  "the  intrepid  and  skilful  Col.  Williams^ 
had  been  ordered  to  join  the  army  u:\der  Gen. 
Jackson.  It  did  not  exceed  600  men.  By  the 
middle  of  March,  his  whole  force  amounted  to  be- 
tween 3,  and  4000.  He  then  commenced  his 
march.  Upon  the  21st,  he  established  a  fort  at  the 
mouth  of  Cedar  Creek,  and  named  it  Fort  Williams. 
Leading  a  sufficient  force  to  protect  it,  he  renewed 
his  march  upon  the  24th.  Upon  the  27th,  a  day 
which  will  be  remembered  in  the  traditional  annals 
of  the  brave,  the  infatuated,  the  blood-thirsty 
Creeks,  until  they  become  extinct,  Gen.  Jackson 
and  his  army  reached  Tohopeka.  The  events  of 
that  day,  are  thus  briefly  detailed  by  the  commander. 

Battle  Ground,  bend  of  Talapoosa,  28thMarch*  1814. 
Maj.  Gen.  Pinckney  : — 

Sir— I  feel  particularly  happy  in  being  able  to 
communicate  to  y.^ou,  the  fortunate  eventuation  of 


1NDREW  JACKSON.  129 

my  expedition  to  the  Talapoosa.  I  reached  the 
head,  near  the  Emuckfau,  called  by  the  whites  the 
Horse  Shoe,  about  ten  o'clock,  on  the  forenoon  of 
yesterday,  where  I  found  the  strength  of  the  neigh- 
bouring towns  collected.  Expecting  our  approach, 
they  had  gathered  in  from  Oakfuskie,  Oakehoga, 
New  Yorcau,  Hillibees,  the  Fish  Pond,  and  Eufau- 
lee  towns,  to  the  number,  it  is  said,  of  1000.  It  is 
difficult  to  conceive  a  situation  more  eligible  for 
defence  than  the  one  they  had  chosen,  or  one  ren- 
dered more  secure  by  the  skill  with  which  they 
had  erected  their  breast-work.  It  was  from  5  to  8 
feet  high,  and  extended  across  the  point  in  such  a 
direction,  as  that  a  force  approaching  it  would  be 
exposed  to  a  double  fire,  while  they  lay  in  perfect 
security  behind.  A  cannon  planted  atone  extre- 
mity could  have  raked  it  to  no  advantage. 

Determining  to  exterminate  them,  I  detached 
Gen.  Coffee  with  the  mounted  men,  and  nearly  the 
whole  of  the  Indian  force,  early  on  the  morning  of 
yesterday,  to  cross  the  river  about  two  miles  below 
their  encampment,  and  to  surround  the  bend  in  such 
a  manner,  as  that  none  of  them  should  escape  by 
attempting  to  cross  the  river.  With  the  infantry, 
I  proceeded  slowly  and  in  order,  along  the  point  of 
land  which  led  to  the  front  of  their  breast- work  ; 
having  planted  my  cannon,  one  6  and  one  3  pounder, 
on  an  eminence  at  the  distance  of  150  to  200  yards 
from  it,  I  opened  a  very  brisk  fire,  playing  upon 
fche  enemv  with  the  muskets  and  rifles  whenever 


130  MEMOIRS  OP 

they  shewed  themselves  beyond  it.  This  was  kept 
up  with  short  interruptions  for  about  2  hours,  when 
a  part  of  the  Indian  force,  and  Capt.  Russell's  and 
Lieut.  Bean's  companies  of  spies,  who  had  accom- 
panied Gen.  Coffee,  crossed  over  in  canoes  to  the 
extremity  of  the  bend,  and  set  fire  to  a  few  of  the 
buildings  which  were  there  situated  ;  they  then 
advanced  With  great  gallantry  towards  the  breast- 
work, and  commenced  a  spirited  fire  upon  the  en- 
emy behind  it. 

Finding  that  his  force,  notwithstanding  the  brave- 
ry they  displayed,  was  wholly  insufficient  to  dis- 
lodge them,  and  that  Gen.  Coffee  had  entirely 
secured  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  I  now  deter- 
mined to  take  it  by  storm.  The  men  by  whom  this 
wTas  to  be  effected,  had  been  waiting  with  impatience 
to  receive  the  order,  and  hailed  it  with  acclamation. 

The  spirit  which  animated  them,  was  a  sure 
augury  of  the  success  which  was  to  follow.  The 
history  of  warfare,  I  think  furnishes  few  instances  of 
a  more  brilliant  attack.  The  regulars,  led  on  by  their 
intrepid  and  skilful  commander,  CoU  Williams,  and 
by  the  gallant  Maj.  Montgomery,  soon  gained  pos- 
session of  the  works,  in  the  midst  of  a  most  tre- 
mendous fire  from  behind  them  ;  and  the  militia 
of  the  venerable  Gen.  Doherty's  brigade,  accompa- 
nied them  in  the  charge  with  a  vivacity  and  firmness 
which  would  have  done  honour  to  regulars.  The 
enemy  were  completely  routed.  Five  hundred 
and  fifty-seven  were  left   dead  on  the  peninsula, 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  131 

and  a  great  number  were  killed  by  the  horsemen  in 
attempting  to  cross  the  river  :  it  is  believed  that  not 
more  than  20  have  escaped. 

The  fighting  continued  with  some  severity  about 
5  hours,  but  we  continued  to  destroy  many  of  them 
who  had  concealed  themselves  under  the  banks  of 
the  river,  until  we  were  prevented  by  the  night. 
This  morning  we  killed  16  who  had  been  conceal- 
ed. We  took  about  250  prisoners,  all  women  and 
children,  except  two  or  three.  Our  loss  is  160 
wounded,  and  25  killed.  Maj.  M'Intosh,  (the  Cow- 
etau,)  who  joined  my  army  with  apart  of  his  tribe, 
greatly  distinguished  himself.  When  I  get  an  hour's 
leisure,  I  will  send  you  a  more  detailed  account. 

According  to  my  original  purpose,  I  commenced 
my  return  march  to  Fort  Williams  to-day,  and  shall, 
if  I  find  sufficient  supplies  there,  hasten  to  the 
Hickory  Ground.  The  power  of  the  Creeks  is, 
I  think,  forever  broken. 

I  send  you  a  hasty  sketch,  taken  by  the  eye,  of  the 
situation  on  which  the  enemy  were  encamped,  and 
of  the  manner  in  which  1  approached  them.  I  have 
the  honour  to  be,  Lc. 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  Maj.  Gen. 

Maj.  Gen.  Pinckaey. 

The  loss  of  the  Americans,  added  to  the  whole 
loss  of  the  friendly  Indians,  was  54  killed,  and  156 
wounded. 

In  communicating  the  result  of  this  victory,  with- 
out a  parallel,  to  the  War  Department,  Gen.  Pinck- 


J  32  MEMOIRS  OF 

ney  elegantly  and  impressively  observes, — "  While 
the  sigh  of  humanity  will  escape,  for  this  profuse 
effusion  of  human  blood,  which  results  from  the 
savage  principle  of  our  enemy,  neither  to  give  nor 
accept  quarter ;  and  while  every  American  will 
deeply  lament  the  loss  of  our  meritorious  fellow 
soldiers  who  have  fallen  in  this  contest,  we  have 
ample  cause  of  gratitude  to  the  giver  of  all  victory, 
for  thus  continuing  his  protection  to  our  women  and 
children,  who  would  otherwise  be  exposed  to  the 
indiscriminate  havock  of  the  tomahawk,  and  all  the 
horrors  of  savage  warfare." 

The  aged  soldier,  who  has  been  familiarized 
through  life  with  civilized  warfare,  can  form  but 
an  imperfect  idea  of  war,  as  carried  on  by  savages. 
Those  who  have  passed  their  lives  in  the  tranquil 
scenes  of  civil  life,  are  still  more  incompetent  to 
form  a  conception  of  its  horrours.  We  can  read  its 
history  and  weep  •,  but  were  we  to  witness  its  tra- 
gical scenes,  even  tears  wouid  be  stopped,  by  the 
ghastly  and  appalling  forms,  in  which  death  is  pre- 
sented to  the  view  of  its  victims.  The  writer  has 
seen  nothing  of  savage  warfare,  and  but  little  of 
savage  life  in  a  state  ui  'peace;;*  but  he  can  yet  al- 
most realize  its  horrors  from  impressions,  never  to 
be  eradicated,  made  upcjrt  his  mind  in  the  earliest 
stages  of  life.  His. ve;igi?ated grandfather,  Israel 
Putn  *  m,  "  seamed  xvith  many  a  scarf*  by  the  ki 
and  tomahawks  o{  savages,  as  he  was  treading  the 
tast  steps  that  earned  him  to  his  tomb,  related  to 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  13o 

his  listening  grand-children,  the  tortures  he  had 
borne  from  savages,  and  his  "  hair-breadth  ^scapes" 
from  savage  death.  His  accomplished  Aid-de- 
camp, Gen.  Humphrey,  has  left  them  upon  the 
page  of  Biography.* 

The  severity  of  Gen.  Jackson  with  the  Creeks, 
has  been  a  subject  of  severe  animadversion  with 
many  who  sympathize  with  savages,  but  who  can 
readily  forget  the  indiscriminate  slaughter  at. Ten- 
saw*  Let  such  remember  that  at  Fort  Mimms,  in 
that  settlement,  the  unoffending  citizen  was  con- 
sumed by  tire — his  beseeching  wife  and  helpless 
children  were,  by  the  same  tomahawk,  in  the  same 
moment,  inhumanly  murdered.  And  to  make  them 
withdraw  their  ill-placed  sympathy,  let  them  re- 
member that  the  fate  which  there  swallowed  up 
the  whole  of  the  citizens,  and  the  whole  of  their 
defenders,  was  declared  to  be  the  destiny  of  every 
American,  within  the  reach  of  savage  vengeance. 

Whatever  injustice  the  Aborigines  of  America 
may  have  endured  from  Europeans  in  the  early  set- 
tlements of  North  America,  they  have  no  cause  of 
complaint  against  the  present  generation  of  Anglo- 
Americans,  who  aie  citizens  of  the  United  States, 
nor  against  the  government  of  the  American  Re- 
public. Mildness  has  marked  the  policy  of  indi- 
viduals in  their  intercourse  with  the  natives,  and 
lenity  and  justice  has  characterized  every  measure 
of  the  American  administrations  in  regard  to  them, 

*  Vide  Humphrey's  Life  of  Putnam,  pages  67,68,  69,  72. 
12 


134  MEMOIRS    OF 

from  the  commencement  of  the  government  under 
the  sainted  Washington,  to  this  period.  While 
the  state  has  protected  them  in  the  enjoyment  of 
their  temporal  rights,  the  church  has,  with  unceas- 
ing exertions,  endeavoured  to  convert  them  to 
Christianity. 

But  every  measure  to  introduce  among  them  the 
arts  of  civilized  life  and  the  benign  influence  of 
Christianity,  u  to  soothe  the  savage  breast  ft  has  been 
thwarted  by  the  poisonous  influence  of  British  and 
Spanish  emissaries.  Upon  them,  let  a  double  por- 
tion of  indignation  be  poured,  as  the  guilty  causes 
of  the  miseries  inflicted  by  savages  upon  Ameri- 
cans, "and  of  the  almost  total  extinction  of  the  In- 
dians by  the  arm  of  power.  Indubitable  testimony 
will  support  the  assertion,  that  every  Indian  war 
in  North  America,  from  the  Treaty  of  Peace  in 
1783,  to  this  period,  has  been  occasioned  by  for- 
eign emissaries.  Although  the  British  govern- 
ment was  compelled  to  acknowledge  the  Indepen- 
dence of  the  American  Republic,  it  has  always 
endeavoured  to  check  its  rising  greatness.  They 
still  hope  to  subjugate  it  to  their  dominion,  by  the 
power  of  their  navy  upon  the  seaboard,  and  of 
their  savage  allies  upon  the  frontiers.  It  would 
be  a  handsome  accession  to  the  power  of  the  "  le- 
gitimate sovereigns5'  of  Europe,  to  behold  George 
III.  (or  IV.)  wielding  the  sceptre  of  power  over 
North,  and  Ferdinand  VII.  over  South  America. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  1  3£ 


CHAPTER  X, 

Conclusion  of  Creek  War — Return  of  Gen.  Jackson 
and  Volunteers — their  reception,  and  separation — 
Gen.  Jackson  is  appoint*  d  Brig.  Gen,  in  U.  S.  army 
— also  a  Commissioner  to  treat  with  Creek  Indians 
— concludes  a  treaty — Foreign  emissaries — Indian 
Eloquence — Speech  of  Wit  her  ford— -of  Big  \Varrior 
— of  Tecumseh,  and  his  death. 

HAVING  accomplished  the  object  of  the  ex* 
pedition  to  the  Tallapoosa,  by  the  victory  at  Toko* 
peka,  Gen,  Jackson  returned  with  his  army  to  Fort; 
Williams,  about  the  1st  of  April.  Incessant  fa* 
tigue,  and  arduous  duty,  had  retarded  the  recovery 
of  his  health,  and  reduced  him  almost  to  a  skele- 
ton ;  but  the  animation  he  felt  at  having  effected, 
in  a  few  months,  what,  from  every  former  prospect, 
would  have  been  supposed  to  need  the  exertion  of 
years,  made  him  forget  his  debility ;  and  his  mind 
arose  in  majesty,  as  his  body  was  emaciated  by  toil* 
Proud  of  the  title,  "  Commander  of  Tennessee  Vol- 
unteers," he  rejoiced  that  they  had  retrieved  the 
reputation  they  had  recently  tarnished,  by  mutiny 
and  disaffection. 

His  object  now  was  to  form  a  junction  with  the 
forces  of  the  state  of  Georgia,  and  either  complete 
the  extermination  of  the  Creeks,  or  compel  them  to 
bury  the  tomahawk,  and  sue  for  peace.  The  Hil- 
labees,  a  clan  of  them,  for  reasons  before  mentioned, 
were  the  last  to  supplicate  for  mercy.     The  attack 


(36  MEMOIRS  OF 

made  upon  them  on  the  18th  November,  1813,  by 
Gen.  White,  when  they  were  urgent  to  make  peace 
with  Gen.  Jackson,  rendered  them  desperate. 
The  remnants  of  all  the  tribes  had  assemled  at 
Hothlezoalee,  in  the  Hickory  Ground.  Gen.  Jack- 
son, with  his  forces,  went  in  pursuit  of  them.  But 
despair  had  now  succeeded  to  fury,  and  the  savages 
dispersed.  The  general  prosecuted  his  march  to 
the  Hickory,  Ground,  and,  on  or  about  the  1 5th 
April,  established  a  fort  upon  the  Coosa,  near  its 
confluence  with  the  Tallapoosa,  which  was  named 
Fort  Jackson.  This  completed  a  line  of  posts 
through  Tennessee,  Georgia,  and  the  Alabama  Ter- 
ritory. 

The  Georgia  forces  had  formed  a  junction  with 
the  countering  general ;  and,  upon  the  20th  April, 
Maj.  Gen.  Pinckney  commander  in  chief  of  Mili- 
tary Districts  No.  6  and  7,  arrived  at  Fort  Jackson* 
and  assumed  the  command  of  the  whole  forces  in 
the  Creek  country.  Gen.  Pinckney  invited  Gen. 
Jackson  to  his  head  quarters,  where  a  splendid  en- 
tertainment had  been  prepared.  This  emaciated 
and  war-worn  veteran,  with  some  of  his  principal 
officers,  partook  of  it  with  the  Commander  in  Chief. 
To  reciprocate  the  civility,  the  Conqueror  of  the 
Creeks,  incited  the  Commander  to  dine  with  him 
at  his  marquee  the  next  day.  The  simple,  diet 
that  had  sustained  him  and  his  gallant  associates  for 
months,  was  the  bill  of  fare.  It  called  to  mind  gloo- 
my and  proud  recollections — the  dish  of  rice,  and 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  137 

draught  of  whisky,  had  supported  them  in  times  of 
peril — they  were  now  enjoyed  in  safety. 

Never,  since  the  discovery  of  America,  did  an 
American  officer  leave  the  command  of  an  army,  to 
his  superiour  officer,  under  circumstances  more 
auspicious,  than  did  Maj.  Gen.  Jackson,  of  Ten- 
nessee Volunteers,  to  Maj.  Gen.  Pinckney  of  the  U. 
S.  army.  He  assumed  the  command  of  the  troops, 
only  to  disband  them.  Their  work  was  done,  and 
well  done.  Gen.  Jackson,  for  a  number  of  weeks 
previous,  had  moved  with  his  army,  with  the  cele- 
rity of  lightning,  and  like  that,  had  prostrated  eve- 
ry thing  that  opposed  them.  He  might  have  said, 
with  Caezar,  "  Veni,  vidi,  vici" — I  came — I  sawr — 
I  conquered  ! 

The  panic-struck  savages,  who  had  been  led  by 
the  wild  incantations  of  their  prophets,  and  the 
more  guilty  encouragement  of  foreign  emissaries, 
to  spread  devastation,  havock,  carnage,  and  death, 
among  the  unoffending  American  settlers,  humbly 
prostrated  themselves  before  their  conquerors, 
and  begged  for  that  sparing  mercy,  which  it  had 
been  enjoined  upon   them  never  to  extend. 

Fearing  to  raise  a  hand  against  a  white  man,  these 
infatuated  daemons  of  the  forest,  preyed  upon  each 
other  ;  and  seemed  to  delight  in  bearing  and  inflict- 
ing  tortures.  The  Creeks  massacred  every  one  of 
their  tribe  who  were  known  to  have  attacked  Fort 
Mimms. 

Upon  the  21st,  the  next  day  after  Gen.  Pinckney 
assumed  the  command3  he  ordered  the  Tennessee 


138  MEMOIRS  OF- 

troops  to  be  marched  home,  and  discharged  5  re- 
taining, however,  sufficient  to  garrison  the  establish- 
ed posts.  Gen.  Jackson  immediately  took  mea- 
sures to  comply  with  the  order. 

The  following  is  Gen.  Jackson's  last  communica- 
tion, as  an  officer  in  the  military  forces  of  Ten- 
nessee. 

Fort  Williams,  April  25th,  at  night. 

Sir — Gen.  Pinckney  joined  me  at  Fort  Jackson 
on  the  20th.  The  enemy  continuing  to  come  in 
from  every  quarter,  and  it  being  now  evident  that 
[he  war  was  over,  I  received  an  order  at  3  o'clock, 
P.  M.  on  the  21st,  to  march  my  troops  back  to 
Fort  Williams,  and  after  having  dispersed  any 
bodies  of  the  enemy  who  may  have  assembled 
on  the  Cahawba,  or  within  striking  distance,  and 
provided  for  the  maintenance  of  posts  between 
Tennessee  and  Fort  Jackson,  to  discharge  the 
remaioder.  Within  two  hours  after  receiving  this 
order,  I  was  on  the  line  of  march  :  and  reached  this 
place  last  evening,  a  distance  of  about  sixty  miles. 

To  Brig.  Gen.  Doherty,  I  shall  assign  the  duty  of 
keeping  up  the  posts,  which  form  the  line  Oi  com- 
munication between  Tennessee  and  the  confluence 
of  the  Coosa  and  Tallapoosa,  making  the  necessary 
arrangements  to  enable  him  to  do  so.  About  400 
of  the  E.  Tennessee  militia,  will  be  left  at  this 
place,  250  at  Fort  Strother,  and  75  at  Fort  Armstrong 
and  New  Deposit.  Old  Deposit  will  be  maintained 
by  Capt.  Hammond's  company  of  rangers. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  139 

To-morrow  I  detail  500  of  the  militia  under  the 
command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Johnson,  to  the  Cahawba, 
with  instructions  to  unite  with  me  at  Fort  Deposit, 
after  having  dispersed  any  bodies  of  the  enemy 
they  may  find  there  assembled. 

The  commissioners  who  have  been  appointed  to 
make  a  treaty  with  the  Creeks,  need  have  nothing 
to  do  but  assign  them  their  proper  limits.  Those  of 
the  friendly  party,  who  have  associated  with  me, 
will  be  easily  satisfied  ;  and  those  of  the  hostile 
party,  they  consider  it  a  favour  that  their  lives 
have  been  spared  them,  and  will  look  upon  any 
space  that  may  be  allowed  them,  for  their  future 
settlement,  as  a  bounteous  donation.  I  have  taken 
the  liberty  to  point  out  what  I  think  ought  to  be 
the  future  line  of  separation,  with  which  I  will 
hereafter  make  you  acquainted.  If  they  should 
be  established,  none  of  the  Creeks  will  be  left  on 
the  west  of  the   Coosa. 

Accompanying  this,  I  send  you  a  report  made  by 
the  Adjutant-General,  of  the  killed  and  wounded, 
at  the  battle  of  Tohopeka,  which  was  omitted  to 
be  sent   by  the  former  express. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

His  Excellency  Gov.    W.  Blount. 

At  the  expiration  of  a  few  days,  he  commenced 
a  return  march  to  his  home,  after  an  absence  of 
eight  months.     If  the   sense  of  obligation   bears 


140  MEMOIRS  OF 

any  proportion  to  the  benefits  received,  it  may  well 
be  concluded  that  the  people  of  Tennessee  and 
Mississippi,  must  have  been  deeply  impressed  with 
the  obligations  of  gratitude,  to  Gen.  Jackson  and 
his  gallant  Volunteers.  For  twenty  years,  the  fron- 
tier settlers  had  lived  in  a  state  of  insecurity  ;  and 
since  the  commencement  of  the  second  war  be- 
tween the  American  Republic  and  the  kingdom  of 
Great  Britain,  in  the  most  alarming  apprehensions. 
Their  danger  was  now  removed,  and  their  safety 
Was  secured.  The  spontaneous  bursts  of  admira- 
tion and  applause  that  were  every  where  uttered, 
was  more  grateful  to  the  feelings  of  Gen.  Jackson, 
than  all  the  studied  encomiums  that  could  be  be- 
stowed. 

Upon  reaching  Camp  Blount,  at  Fayetteville, 
(Tenn.)  the  bond  of  union,  which  had  been  ce- 
mented by  common  danger,  and  common  toils* 
between  the  general  and  the  volunteers,  was  dis- 
solved. Having  learned  and  discharged  the  duty 
of' veteran  soldiers,  they  now  reverted  back  to 
industrious  citizens  ;  ready,  at  no  distant  period,  to 
follow  their  beloved  chief,  to  conquer  a  civilized, 
as  they  already  had  done,  a  barbarous  foe.  While 
tears  of  pungent  grief  were  shed  at  the  recollection 
of  their  brave  associates,  who  were  left  to  moulder  in 
the  graves  of  the  wilderness,  those  of  exquisite  joy 
flowed  at  the  safety  of  their  fathers,  and  the  secu- 
rity of  their  homes. 

Gen.  Jackson,  having  very  much  exceeded  th<* 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  141 

time  for  which  he  volunteered  his  service,  and 
having  accomplished  vastly  more  than  the  most 
sanguine  expectations  could  have  anticipated,  was 
about  to  retire  to  the  repose  of  private  life,  which 
his  debilitated  state  of  health  imperiously  demand- 
ed. But  the  portentous  clouds  of  war  which  were 
constantly  augmenting  upon  the  southern  borders 
of  the  Republic,  rendered  his  services,  if  possible, 
more  necessary  than  they  had  already  been.  About 
the  1st  June,  1814,  he  was  appointed  a  Brigadier 
General  in  the  army  of  the  United  States. 

Before  he  was  called  upon  to  commence  his  mili- 
tary career  in  his  new  capacity,  he  was  appointed 
a  commissioner,  to  secure  by  negociation,  what  he 
had  already  acquired  by  arms. 

To  make  a  treaty,  however,  with  Indians,  can 
hardly  be  called  negociation,  as  it  is  considered 
among  civilized  powers.  The  law  of  nations, 
which  requires  "  good  faith"  between  the  contracting 
parties,  is  a  code  not  recognized  by  American  sav- 
ages. It  is  rather  a  contract  of  bargain  and  sale, 
with  a  penalty  annexed  for  breach  of  covenants. 
Col.  Hawkins,  who  was  appointed  Indian  Agent  b\ 
Gen.  Washington,  and  who  has  been  in  the  agency 
ever  since,  was  associated  with  Gen.  Jackson  m 
this  mission. 

By  the  American  forces,  a  complete  conquest 
had  been  made  of  the  whole  Creek  country ;  and 
this  conquest  had  been  occasioned  by  flagrant 
breaches  of  treaty,  and   outrageous   violations  o{ 


142  MEMOIRS   OF 

humanity  by  the  Creeks.  Had  the  American  gov* 
ernment  felt  the  cupidity,  or  exercised  the  power 
which  the  larger  kingdoms  of  Europe  manifest 
toward  the  smaller' ones,  the  Creeks  must  either 
have  fled  from  their  country,  or  been  reduced  to 
vassalage,  and  their  country  itself  would  have  been 
annexed  to  the  Republic.  But  its  existence  com- 
menced upon  the  broad  principles  of  national  and 
individual  justice,  and  in  the  progress  of  its  gov- 
ernment, it  has  never  deviated  from  them. 

The  object  of  Gen.  Jackson  and  the  other  com- 
missioners, was  not  so  much  to  obtain  i\ew  territory, 
as  to  secure  the  acknowledged  territory  of  the 
Republic,  from  the  future  depredations  of  Indian 
hostility.  Upon  the  10th  August,  1814,  a  Treaty 
was  executed,  which  is  before  the  public.  It  cut 
off  the  savages  from  all  communication  with  the 
perpetual  disturbers  of  our  tranquillity,  and  secured 
to  the  government  such  privileges  in  their  country, 
as  will  hereafter  place  the  frontiers  out  of  danger 
from  the  Creeks. 

It  will  be  seen  in  the  sequel,  what  measures 
were  adopted  by  the  government  and  Gen.  Jack- 
son, to  secure  our  country  against  other  powerful 
tribes,  who  were  incited  by  our  arch  and  implaca- 
ble enemies,  to  raise  the  tomahawk  against  our 
countrymen,  as  they  had  already  induced  the  un- 
fortunate Creeks  to  do. 

Having  often  been  obliged,  from  the  nature  of 
the   subject,   to    allude   to   the   unjustifiable    and 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  143 

reprehensible  conduct,  of  British  and  Spanish 
emissaries,  I  am  confident  the  reader  will  be 
gratified,  in  seeing  the  evidence  furnished  by 
the  savages  themselves.  In  presenting  this  evi- 
dence, I  furnish  at  the  same  time  specimens  of 
Indian  Eloquence,  which  have  never  been  equalled, 
unless  by  the  speech  of  Logan,  as  found  in  Jeffer- 
son's Notes  on  Virginia.  The  first  I  offer,  is  the 
speech  of  the  ferocious  Witherford,  previously 
mentioned.  His  surrender  to  Gen.  Jackson,  re- 
minds the  historian  of  Coriolanus  and  Avfidius — of 
ThemistGcles  and  a  Persian  king.  Magnanimity  in 
each,  overcame  vengeance. 

WITHERFORD's  SPEECH  TO  GENERAL  JACKSON. 

"  I  am  in  your  power — do  with  me  as  you  please. 
I  am  a  soldier.  I  have  done  the  white  people  all 
the  harm  I  could  ;  I  have  faught  them,  and  faught 
them  bravely  :  If  I  had  an  army,  I  would  yet  fight, 
and  contend  to  the  last :  but  1  have  none  ;  my  peo- 
ple are  all  gone.  I  can  now  do  no  more  than  weep 
over  the  misfortunes  of  my  nation.  Once  I  cou.d 
animate  my  warriors  to  battle;  but  I  cannot  ani- 
mate the  dead.  My  warriors  can  no  ionger  hear 
my  voice  :  their  bones  are  at  Talladega,  Tailus- 
hatches,  Emuckfau,  and  Tohopeka.  I  have  not  sur- 
rendered myself  thoughtlessly.  Whilst  there  were 
chances  of  success,  I  never  left  my  post,  nor  sup- 
plicated peace.  Eut  my  people  are  gone,  and  I 
now  ask  it  for  my  nation,  and  for  myself.     On  the 


144  MEMOIRS  OF 

miseries  and  misfortunes  brought  upon  my  country, 
t  look  back  with  deepest  sorrow,  and  wish  to  avert 
still  greater  calamities.  If  I  had  been  left  to  con- 
tend with  the  Georgia  army,  I  would  have  raised 
my  corn  on  one  bank  of  the  river,  and  fought  them 
on  the  other  ;  but  your  people  have  destroyed  my 
nation.  You  are  a  brav  e  man — I  rely  upon  your 
generosity.  You  will  exact  no  terms  of  a  conquer- 
ed people,  but  such  as  thty  shouid  accede  to  : 
whatever  they  may  be,  it  would  now  be  madness 
and  folly  to  oppose.  If  they  are  opposed,  you 
shall  find  me  amongst  the  sternest  enforcers  of 
obedience.  Those  who  would  still  hold  out,  can 
be  influenced  only  by  a  mean  spirit  of  revenge  : 
and  to  this  they  must  not,  and  shall  not  sacrifice 
the  last  remnant  of  their  country.  You  have  told 
us  where  we  might  go,  and  be  safe.  This  is  a  good 
talk,  and  my  nation  ought  to  listen  to  it.  They 
shall  listen  to  it." 

The  second  evidence,  is  the  speech  of  "  The  Big 
Warrior  ,"  before  Gen.  Jackson,  Col.  Hawkins,  &c. 
It  is  with  all  the  pleasure  of  delight,  that  I  incorpo- 
rate this  eloquent  appeal  to  the  magnanimity  of 
our  government,  into  this  work.  While  it  eulogizes 
the  memory  of  our  immortal  political  sa\iour, 
G  eorge  Washington,  it  also  places  Mr.  Madison,  in 
the  most  exalted  station — the  protector  of  the  weak. 
It  also  repels  the  many  insinuations  which  have 
been  made  against  the  long  tried  and  faithful  In- 
dian agent,  Col.  Hawkins.     It  is  but  an  ill  recjuifc- 


ANDREW  JAGRSON.  14b 

al  for  the  long  seclusion  in  which  the  Agent  has 
lived  ;  and  the  pacific  and  salutary  policy  which  he 
has  pursued  in  the  Creek  agency,  to  have  it  hinted, 
a  that  his  agency  had  lasted  too  long  to  hope  that 
he  would  steadily  pursue  that  course  which  the  safe- 
ty  and  interest  of  the  country  required.^  But  such 
is  the  fate  of  public  functionaries  in  our  Republic. 
James  Monroe,  and  Andrew  Jackson,  than  whom, 
more  devoted  patriots  were  never  enrolled  upon 
the  records  of  worth,  have  shared  in  public  oblo- 
quy, as  well  as  in  public  applause.  Even  this  is 
not  without  its  benefits.  Jealousy  is  the  shieid  of 
freedom,  and  results  from  the  solicitude  Americans 
feel  for  their  sacred  rights  and  liberties.  These 
censures  serve  the  same  purpose  in  our  Republic, 
as  the  dust  that  was,  by  order,  cast  by  lictors  upon 
the  heads  of  the  returning  conquerors  of  the  Ro- 
man Republic,  when  they  were  passing  under  tri- 
umphal arches. 

BIG  WXRRIOR's  SPEECH 
TO  THE    AMERICAN    COMMISSIONERS. 

"  THE  President,  our  father,  advises  us  to  hon- 
esty and  fairness,  and  promises  that  justice  shail  be 
done  ;  I  hope  and  trust  it  will  be !  I  made  this 
war,  which  has  proved  so  fatal  to  my  country,  that 
the  treaty  entered  into,  a  long  time  ago,  with  father 
Washington,  might  not  be  broken.  To  his  friend- 
ly arm  I  hold  fast.  I  will  never  break  that  chain 
of  friendship  we  made  together,  and  which  bound 
us  to  stand  to  the  United  States.     He  was  a  father 

18 


146  MEMOIRS  OF 

to  the  Muscoga  people  ;  and  not  only  to  them,  but 
to  all  the  people  beneath  the  sun.  His  talk  I  now 
hold  in  my  hand.  There  sits  the  agent  *  he  sent 
among  us.  Never  has  he  broken  the  treaty.  He 
has  lived  with  us  a  long  time.  He  has  seen  our 
children  born,  who  now  have  children.  By  his 
direction,  cloth  was  wove,  and  clothes  were  made, 
and  spread  through  our  country;  but  the  Red  Sticks 
came,  and  destroyed  all — we  have  none  now. 
Hard  is  our  situation,  and  you  ought  to  consider  it. 
I  state  what  all  the  nation  knows  :  nothing  will  I 
keep  secret. 

There  is  the  Little  Warrior,  whom  Col.  Haw- 
kins knows.  While  we  were  giving  satisfaction  for 
the  murders  that  had  been  committed,  he  proved  a 
mischief-maker;  he  went  to  the  British  on  the  lakes  ; 
he  came  back,  and  brought  a  package  to  the  fron- 
tiers, which  increased  the  murders  here.  This 
conduct  has  already  made  the  war  party  to  suffer 
greatly :  but,  although  almost  destroyed,  they  will 
not  yet  open  their  eyes,  but  are  still  led  away  by 
the  British  at  Pensacola.  Not  so  with  us  ;  we 
were  rational,  and  had  oar  senses — we  yet  are  so. 
In  the  war  of  the  revolution,  our  father  beyond  the 
waters,  encouraged  us  to  join  him,  and  we  did  so. 
We  had  no  sense  then.  The  promises  he  made 
were  never  kept.  We  were  young  and  foolish,  and 
fought  with  him.  The  British  can  no  more  per- 
suade us  to  do  wrong  :  they  have  deceived  us  once. 
,  an  deceive  us  no  more.  You  are  two  g 
*  Col.  Hawkins, 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  147     i 

people.  If  you  go  to  war,  we  will  have  no  concent 
in  it ;  for  we  are  not  able  to  fight.  We  wish  to 
be  at  peace  with  every  nation.  If  they  offer  me 
arms,  I  will  say  to  them,  You  put  me  in  danger,  to 
war  against  a  people  born  in  our  own  land.  They 
shall  never  force  us  into  danger.  You  shall  never 
see  that  our  chiefs  are  boys  in  council,  who  will  be 
forced  to  do  any  thing.  I  talk  thus,  knowing  that 
father  Washington  advised  us  never  to  interfere  in 
wars.  He  told  us  that  those  in  peace  were  the 
happiest  people.  He  told  us  that  if  an  enemy  at- 
tacked him,  he  had  warriors  enough,  and  did  not 
wish  his  red  children  to  help  him.  If  the  British 
advise  us  to  any  thing,  I  will  tell  you — not  hide 
it  from  you— If  they  say  we  must  fight,  I  will  tell 
them,  No  !" 

I  now  present  the  reader  with  a  speech  of  one 
of  the  greatest  warriors  of  any  age,  of  any  nation.  ^ 
or  of  any  colour—  Tecumseh.  It  was  this  Sachem * 
and  Prophet,  who  had  been  educated  at  an  English 
seminary  in  Canada,  who  first  infused  into  the 
Creeks  the  murderous  principles  he  had  learned 
from  English  Christians.  He  returned  to  his  own 
tribe,  and  prepared  them  for  the  crusade  they  were 
to  make  with  their  English  "  fathers''  against  Ameri- 
cans. Infatuated  chief!!  thy  blood  calls  aloud  from 
the  ground  for  revenge  against  thy  perfidious  mis- 
ers. The  cowardice  of  Proctor  was  as  base  as 
perfidy.     The  simple  eloquence  of  this  child  of 


148  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  forest,  is  the  bitterest  satire,  and  the  mosi  vin- 
dictive judgment  against  the  British  nation.  The 
Indians  of  the  East,  as  well  as  of  the  West,  form  a 
"  paramount  inquest,"  whose. sentence  will  reverse 
the  judgment  of  the  House  of  Lords  in  favour 
of  Lord  Hastings,  and  raise  indignation  at  the  eu* 
logies  bestowed  upon  Sir  George  Prevost. 

SPEECH  OF  TECUMSEH, 

In  the  name  of  the  Indian  Chiefs  and  Warriors,  t* 
Maj+  Gen.  Proctor,  as  the  representative  of  their 
Great  Father,  the  King* 

Father — listen  to  your  children  !  You  have 
them  now  all  before  you.  The  war  before  *  this, 
our  British  father  crave  the  hatchet  to  his  red  chil- 

o 

dren,  when  our  old  chiefs  were  alive.  They  are 
now  dead.  In  that  war,  our  father  was  thrown  on 
his  back  by  the  Americans,  and  our  father  took 
them  by  the  hand  without  our  knowledge  ;f  and  we 
are  afraid  that  our  father  will  do  so  again  at  this 
time*  Summer  before  last,  when  I  came  forward 
with  my  red  brethren,  and  was  ready  to  take  up 
the  hatchet  in  favour  of  our  British  father,  we  were 
told  not  to  be  in  a  hurry — that  he  had  not  yet  de- 
termined to  fight  the  Americans. 

Listen^! — When  war  was  declared,  our  father 
stood  up  and  gave  us  the  tomahawk,  and  told  us 
that  he  was  now  ready  to  strike  the  Americans  ; 

*  The  revolutionary  war. 

t  The  British  made  peace  without  any  stipulation  for  tfcdt 
Indian  allies. 


ANDREW   JACKSON. 

that  he  wanted  our  assistance  ;  and  that  he  cer- 
tainly would  get  us  our  lands  back,  which  the  Ameri- 
cans had  taken  from  us. 

Listen  ! — You  told  us  at  that  time,  to  bring  for- 
ward our  families  to  this  place,  and  we  did  so  ; 
and  you  promised  to  take  care  of  them,  and  that 
they  should  want  for  nothing,  while  the  men  would 
go  and  fight  the  enemy  ;  that  we  need  not  trouble 
ourselves  about  the  enemy's  garrisons  ;  that  we 
knew  nothing  about  them  ;  and  that  our  father 
would  attend  to  that  part  of  the  business.  You 
also  told  your  red  children,  that  you  would  take 
good  care  of  your  garrison  here,  which  made  our 
hearts  glad. 

Listen  /—When  we  were  last  to  the  rapids,  it  is 
true  we  gave  you  little  assistance.  It  is  hard  to 
fight  people  who  live  like  groundhogs.* 

Listen  Father  ! — Our  fleet  has  gone  out — we 
know  they  have  fought — we  have  heard  the  great 
guns,  but  know  nothing  of  what  has  happened  to 
our  father  with  one  arm. t  Our  ships  have  gone 
one  way,  and  we  are  very  much  astonished,  to  see 
our  father  tying  up  every  thing  and  preparing  to 
run  away  the  other,  without  letting  his  red  children 
know  what  his  intentions  are.  You  always  told 
us  to  remain  here  and  take  care  of  our  lands — it 
made  our  hearts  glad  to  hear  that  was  your  wish. 

*  During  the  siege  of  Eort  Meigs,  the  troops  covered  them- 
selves from  the  enemy's  fire,  by  throv/isg  up  traverses  and 
ditches  of  earth. 

t  Commodore  Barclay. 

13* 


*0G  MEMOIRS  OF 

Our  great  father,  the  King,  is  the  head,  and  you  re- 
present him.  You  always  told  us,  you  would  never 
draw  your  foot  off  British  ground  ;  but  now,  father, 
we  see  you  are  drawing  back,  and v we  are  sorry  to 
see  our  father  doing  so,  without  seeing  the  enemy. 
We  must  compare  our  father's  conduct  to  a  fat  ani- 
mal, that  carries  its  tail  upon  its  back,  but  when 
affrighted,  it  drops  it  between  its  legs,  and  runs  off. 

Listen  Father  ! — The  Americans  have  not  yet 
defeated  us  by  land  ;  neither  are  we  sure  that  they 
have  done  so  by  water  :  we  therefore  wish  to  re- 
main here,  and  fight  our  enemy,  should  they  make 
their  appearance.  If  they  defeat  us,  we  will  then 
retreat  with  our  father. 

At  the  battle  of  the  Rapids,  last  war,  the  Ameri- 
cans certainly  defeated  us  ;  and  when  we  retreated 
to  our  father's  *  fort  at  that  place,  the  gates  were 
shut  against  us.  We  were  afraid  that  it  would  now 
fbe  the  case,  but  instead  of  that,  we  see  our  British 
father  preparing  to  march  out  of  his  garrison. 

Father  ! — You  have  got  the  arms  and  ammunition 
which  the  great  father  sent  fbr  his  red  children. 
If  you  have  any  idea  of  going  away,  give  them  to 
us,  and  you  may  go,  and  welcome,  for  us.  Our 
lives  are  in  the  hands  of  the  Great  Spirit — we  are 
determined  to  defend  our  lands,  and  if  it  is  his  wilP? 
we  wish  to  leave  our  bones  upon  them. 

Amherstburgh,  18th  Sept.  1813. 

:'Fort  Miami,  near  Wajne's  battle-ground 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  151 

I  present  the  reader  with  Maj.  Thomas  Rowland's 
(of  the  27th  U.S.  Infantry)  account  of  the  death  of  this 
great  chief—"  Tecumseh  is  certainly  killed — 1  saw 
him  with  my  own  eyes — it  was  the  first  time  I  had 
seen  this  celebrated  chief.  There  was  something 
so  majestic,  so  dignified,  and  yet  so  mild  in  his  coun- 
tenance, as  he  lay  stretched  on  his  back,  on  the 
ground  where  a  few  minuets  before  he  had  rallied  his 
men  to  the  fight,  that  while  gazing  on  him  with  ad- 
miration and  pity,  I  forgot  he  was  a  savage.  He 
had  deceived  a  wound  in  the  arm,  and  had  it 
bound  up  before  he  received  the  mortal  wound. 
He  had  such  a  countenance  as  I  shall  never  forget." 

Major  Rowland  might  have  exclaimed,  over  the 
corpse  of  Tecumseh,  as  Henry  V.  did  over  that  of 
Percey — 

"  Lie  there  great  heart — the  earth  that  bears  thee  dead, 
fi  Bears  not  alive  so  stout.  *****  *" 


152  MEMOIRS    OF 


CHAPTER  XI. 


Spanish  aggressions  and  perfidy — Gen.  Jackson's  mea- 
sures to  detect  Manrequez,  the  Governour  of  Flori- 
da— his  letter  to  him — Danger  of  the  7th  Military 
District — Gen.  Jackson's  appeal  to  the  government — 
Mr.  Monroe's  measures  of  defence — Attack  upon 
Fort  Bowyer — gallant  defence  of  Major  Lawrtaice — 
his  official  report  of  it. 

THE  writer  has  attempted  to  shew  the  reader, 
the  prominent  features  of  Gen,  Jackson's  life,  from 
his  birth  to  the  conclusion  of  the  Creek  war.  It  is 
but  a  miniature,  and  if  the  figure  is  not  finely  touch- 
ed, the  delineations  are  confidently  pronounced, 
correct.  To  crowd  a  biographical  sketch  with 
minute  details  of  events,  in  which  the  subject  of  it 
has  acted  a  conspicuous  part,  may  swell  a  volume 
with  a  wilderness  of  "  words,  7vords,  words,"  and 
hide  the  hero  of  it,  in  the  rubbish  that  entangles 
him.  I  certainly  have  a  wish,  (it  may  be  an  un- 
availing one,)  to  keep  Andrew  Jackson  in  sight  ^ 
through  this  little  volume  ;  and  although  the  deep- 
ly interesting  scenes,  in  which  he  was  the  principal 
actor,  must  necessarily  be  adverted  to,  it  is  hoped 
the  attention  of  the  reader  will  not  be  diverted 
from  the  subject  of  these  memoirs,  by  blending 
with  his  life,  those  descriptions  which  more  proper- 
ly belong  to  the  voluminous  historian,  than  to  the 
brief  biographer. 

Gen.  Jackson,  having  conquered  the  most  war- 
like tribe  of  savages  within,  and  perhaps,  without 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  156 

the  Republic,  by  the  sword,  and  having  secured  to 
his  government  the  benefit  of  the  conquest  by 
treaty,  he  was  led,  not  into  regular  negociation, 
but  into  singular  intercourse  with  a  power  that 
calls  itself  civilized! 

It  is  painful  to  see  a  nation,  which  once  held  ah 
elevated  rank  amo^g  European  powers,  sunk  to 
the  lowest  state  of  degradation.  Spain,  in  the 
reign  of  Phillip,  menaced,  by  its  armada,  the  same 
British  power,  which  has  recently  dragged  its  im- 
becile, but  tyrannical  monarch  from  the  humblest 
exile,  and  placed  him  upon  the  Spanish  throne,^ 
Struggling  to  regain  the  power  of  his  predecessors, 
and  trembling  under  the  rod  T>f  his  imperious  mis- 
tress, he  lends  all  his  little  aid  in  Europe  and 
America,  to  subserve  the  interest  of  the  British 
government.  Knowing  that  the  "  holy  alliance" 
entered  into  in  1814,  by  the  "  Allied  Sovereigns,' - 
guarantees  to  each  other  their  ancient  colories, 
Ferdinand  VII.  covertly  gave  every  aid  and  facility 
to  the  British  forces,  in  their  last  war  against  the 
American  Republic,  once  British  colonies.  This. 
Gen.  Jackson  full  well  knew  during  the  prosecu- 
tion, and  at  the  close  of  the  Creek  war.  He  knew 
that  the  gpvernour  of  the  Spanish  province  of 
Florida,  although  Spain  was  in  a  state  of  professed 
neutrality,  either  through  fear  of  Britain,  or  hatred 
to  America,  had  given  every  assistance  to  the  In- 
dians in  their  sanguinary  war  against  our  frontiers. 


1.54  MEMOIRS  OF 

The  peace  he  had  conquered  from-  the  Creeks 
he  was  aware  would  not  be  a  permanent  one,  nor 
the  treaty  he  had  made  regarded,  so  long  as  their 
hostile  chiefs  and  warriors,  were  fostered,  protect- 
ed, and  encouraged  to  further  hostilities,  by  the 
governour  of  Florida,  acting  under  his  "  adored 
master,"  Ferdinand  VII.  He  was  determined,  if 
possible,  to  secure  to  his  country  the  benefit  of  the 
victories  which  he  had  acquired,  by  the  loss  of, 
some  of  his  valiant  countrymen,  and  by  the  death 
of  hundreds  of  Creeks,  who  fell  victims  to  religious 
fanaticism,  and  British  and  Spanish  machinations. 

Gen.  Jackson  is  too  cautious  as  a  statesman,  and 
too  generous  as  a  soldier,  to  trust  to  vague  reports, 
and  unsupported  assertions,  as  grounds  of  im- 
portant measures.  While  making  a  treaty  with  the 
Creeks,  he  dispatched  some  of  his  confidential 
officers  to  Pensacola,  to  observe  the  course  pursued 
by  Gonzalez  Manrequez,  the  Spanish  governour. 
From  the  Creeks  also,  he  was  receiving  almost 
daily  information  of  the  perfidious  conduct  of  this 
obsequious  minister  of  the  faithless  Ferdinand. 
Upon  the  return  of  his  officers,  that  which  was  be- 
fore believed  upon  the  strongest  presumptive  evi- 
dence, was  now  reduced  to  absolute  certainty. 

Gen.  Jackson,  at  this  time,  (Sept.  1814,)  had 
received  no  instructions  from  the  War  Department, 
relative  to  the  course  to  be  pursued  with  the  Span- 
ish authorities  in  Florida.  He  sent  a  direct  me- 
nage to  Gov.  Maorequez,  requesting  him  to  point 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  155 

out  the  course  he  was  about  to  pursue.  The  cor- 
respondence that  followed  between  him  and  Gen. 
Jackson,  has  long  been  before  the  public,  and  is 
too  lengthy  to  be  here  inserted.  The  governour 
was  less  equivocal,  and  more  explicit,  than  he  had 
previously  been.  He  began  to  feel  a  strong  assu- 
rance that  the  British  government,  which  had 
restored  his  master  to  his  throne,  would  support 
him  in  all  his  measures  against  the  Republic.  He 
knew  that  the  legitimate  sovereigns  of  Europe  were 
safely  enthroned,  and  that  pride  as  well  as  interest, 
would  induce  them  to  secure  to  Ferdinand  VII.  his 
South  American  colonies,  and  to  endeavour  to  re- 
gain for  George  III.  the  colonies  he  had  lost  in  the 
North.  His  language  was  confident,  not  to  say 
imperious.  He  repelled  the  charges  against  him, 
by  criminating  the  American  government.  The 
correspondence  was  closed  by  the  following  letter 
to  him,  from  Gen.  Jackson. 

"  Were  I  clothed''  says  the  general,  "with  diplo- 
matic powers,  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  the  topics 
embraced  in  the  wide  range  of  injuries  of  which 
you  complain,  ai.d  which  have  long  since  been  ad- 
justed, I  could  easily  demonstrate  that  the  United 
States  have  been  always  faithful  to  their  treaties  $ 
steadfast  in  their  friendships  :  nor  have  ever  claim- 
ed any  thing  that  was  not  warranted  by  justice. 
They  have  endured  many  insults  from  the  govern- 
-oufs-and  other  officers  of  Spain,  which ;  if  sanction- 
ed by  their   sovereign?  amounted  to  war. 


156  MEMOIRS  OF 

without  any  previous  declaration  on  the  subject. 
They  have  excited  the  savages  to  war,  and  afforded 
the  a  the  means  of  waging  it.  The  property  of 
our  citizens  has  been  captured  at  sea,  and  if  com- 
pensation has  not  been  refused,  it  has  at  least  been 
withheld.  But  as  no  such  powers  have  been  dele- 
gated to  me,  I  shall  not  assume  them,  but  leave 
them  to  the  representatives  of  our  respective  go- 
vernments. 

I  have  the  honour  of  being  entrusted  with  the 
command  of  this  district.  Charged  with  its  pro- 
tection, and  the  safety  of  its  citizens,  I  feel  mj 
ability  to  discharge  the  task,  and  trust  your  excellen- 
cy will  always  find  me  ready  and  willing  to  go 
forward,  in  the  performance  of  that  duty,  whenever 
circumstances  shall  render  it  necessary.  I  agree 
with  you,  perfectly,  that  candour  and  polite  lan- 
guage should,  at  all  times,  characterize  the  com- 
munications between  the  officers  of  friendly  sover- 
eignties ;  and  I  assert,  without  the  fear  of  contra- 
diction, that  my  former  !e:(;ers  were  couched  in 
terms  the  most  respectful  and  unexceptionable.  I 
only  requested,  and  did  not  demand,  as  you  asserted, 
the  ring  leaders  of  the  Creek  confederacy,  who 
had  taken  refuge  in  your  town,  and  who  had 
violated  all  laws,  moral,  civil,  and  divine.  This  I 
had  a  right  to  do,  from  the  treaty,  which  I  sent  you,., 
and  which  I  now  again  enclose,  with  a  request  that 
you  will  change  your  translation ;  believing,  as  I 
do,  that  your  former  one  was  wrong,  and  has  de- 
ceived you. 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  157 

"What  kind  of  an  answer  you  returned,  a  reference 
to  your  letter  will  explain.  The  whole  of  it  breath- 
ed nothing  but  hostility,  grounded  upon  assumed 
facts,  and  false  charges,  and  entirely  evading  the 
inquiries  that  had  been  made. 

I  can  but  express  my  astonishment  at  your  pro- 
test against  the  cession  on  the  Alabama,  lying  with- 
in the  acknowledged  jurisdiction  of  the  United 
States,  and  which  has  been  ratified,  in  due  form;? 
by  the  principal  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  nation. 
But  my  astonishment  subsides,  when,  on  comparing 
it,  I  find  it  upon  a  par  with  the  rest  of  your  letter 
and  conduct  ;  taken  together,  they  afford  a  suffi- 
cient justification  for  any  consequences  that  may 
ensue.  My  government  will  protect  every  inch 
of  her  territory,  her  citzens,  and  her  property,  from 
insult  and  depredation,  regardless  of  the  political 
revolutions  of  Europe  :  and  although  she  has  been 
at  all  times  sedulous  to  preserve  a  good  understand- 
ing with  all  the  world,  yet  she  has  sacred  rights, 
that   cannot   be   trampled    upon  with    impunity. 

'  Spain  had  better  look  to  her  own  intestine  commo- 
tions, before  she  walks  forth  in  that  majesty  of 
strength  and  power,  which  you  threaten  to  draw 

:  ~dowrn  upon  the  United  States.  Your  excellency 
has  been  candid  enough  to  admit  your  having  sup- 
plied the  Indians  with  arms.  In' addition  to  this, 
I  have  learned  that  a  British  flag  has  been  seen 
flying  on  one  of  your  forts.  All  this  is  done  whilst 
you  are  pretending  to  be  neutral. 

14 


lo%  JVIKAIOIRS  OF 

You  cannot  be  surprised,  then,  but  on  the  contrary 
will  provide  a  fort  in  your  town,  for  my  soldiers 
and  Indians,  should  I  take  it  in  my  head  to  pay  you 
a  visit. 

In  future,  I  beg  you  to  withhold  your  insulting 
charges  against  my  government,  for  one  more  in- 
clined to  listen  to  slander  than  I  am  ;  nor  consider 
me  any  more  as  a  diplomatic  character,  unless  so 
proclaimed  to  you  from  the  mouths  of  my  cannon." 

It  is  with  the  highest  pleasure  I  incorporate  the 
foregoing  letter  into*  these  memoirs ;  and  the  reader 
will  feel  an  exultation  at  knowing,  that  we  have 
not  only  one,  but  many  generals  in  the  army  of 
the  Republic,  who  unite  the  Statesman  and  the 
Soldier.  Although  Gen.  Jackson,  at  the  time  he 
wrote  it,  was  not  clothed  with  diplomatic  powers, 
he  shews,  in  a  few  paragraphs,  that  he  perfect-y 
understands  the  points  in  controversy  between  the 
imbecile,  yet  haughty  government  of  Spain,  and 
the  American  Republic.  Had  he  been  a  ncgocia- 
tor  ten  years  ago,  it  would  probably  not  nozv  be 
said  that  America  has  been  thirteen  years  in  trying  * 
to  settle  our  differences  with  Spain,  and  thai'  she 
from  thence  infer  that  we  shall  continue  to 
be  very  moderate,  in  bringing  the  controversy  to  an 
amicable  adjustment.  The  divine  dictate  that 
requires  men  to  "  render  good  for  evil™  has  not  yet 
been  added  to.  the  code  of  the  Law  of  Nations  ; 
and  if  our  Republic  is  disposed  to  act  upon  that  prin-  i 
©iplewith  the  allied  sovereigns  of  Europe,  every  one 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  1  &3 

ef  whom  are  anxious  to  destroy  it,  we  may  as  well 
surrender  our  independence,  at  once,  and  revert 
back  to  a  tame,  and  submissive  colonial  state. 

Gen.  Jackson  was  now  commander  in  chief  of 
the  7th  military  district,  including  the  most  impor- 
tant part  of  the  southern  section  of  the  union.  It 
was  now  altogether  the  most  endangered  part  of  it. 
The  splendid  victories  at  Chippewa,  Bridgzcatcr. 
Fort  Erie,  and  Plattsburgh,  had  allayed  all  appre- 
hension from  British  armies  in  the  north.  The  de- 
fence of  New  London  and  Stonington.  New  York 
and  Baltimore,  had  robbed  British  4;  naval  demon- 
strations" of  their  terrours,  upon  the  eastern  sea- 
board. The  British  admirals  and  British  generals, 
were  concentrating  their  forces,  with  a  determina- 
tion to  wipe  off  the  disgrace,  which  had  with  jus- 
tice been  attached  to  them — not  so  much  from  the 
defeats  they  had  suffered,  as  from  the  Vandalism 
they  had  displayed  in  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  upon 
the  Niagara  frontier,  and  at  the  city  of  Washing- 
fc  ton.  The  utmost  confidence  was  expressed  by  the 
British  in  America,  of  the  success  of  this  great  and 
united  effort  of  the  armies  and  navies  of  Britain  ; 
and  a  British  commissioner  at  Ghent,  who  at  this 
time  was  negociating  a  peace  with  American  com- 
missioners, tauntingly  remarked,  that  before  they 
had  time  to  conclude  a  peace,  New  Orleans  and 
the  states  upon  the  Mississippi,  would  be  in  posses- 
sion ©f  Sir  Edward  Pakenham  ! 


i6$  MEMOIRS  ®V 

It  is  no  more  than  candid  to  admit,  that  vei^ 
serious  apprehensions  were  entertained  by  Ameri- 
cans themselves,  in  regard  to  the  safety  of  the  south- 
ern section  of  the  union,  or  that  part  of  it  situated 
upon  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  near  the  mouth  of 
the  Mississippi.  A  very  great  proportion  of  the. 
troops  of  the  Republic  and  of  the  munitions  of  war, 
were  in  the  northern,  eastern,  and  middle  states,  at 
an  immense  distance  from  New  Orleans.  The 
whole  sea-board,  from  Castine  to  that  place,  was 
commanded  by  a  superiour  naval  force  of  the  ene- 
my, who  could  by  that  command,  in  a  very  short 
time,  approach  any  "  assailable  point"  upon  the 
ocean.  Sir  Geo.  Prevost's  army  of  14,000,  were 
in  Lower  Canada,  burning  to  revenge  the  defeat 
they  met  with  at  Plattsburg.  Large  reinforcements 
were  known  to  have  arrived  from  England  in  the 
West  Indies,  under  command  of  some  of  the  most 
renowned  generals  in  Wellington's  army,  and  every 
indication  evinced  the  determination  of  the  whole 
land  and  naval  forces  of  the  enemy,  upon  tlxe^l 
American  station,  to  make  a  descent  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Mississippi, 

Many  British  officers  had  already  arrived  at 
Pensacola,  about  70  miles  east  of  Mobile  bay,  on 
which  Fort  Bowyer  is  situated.  Here  they  wero 
received  with  great  cordiality  by  the  governour,  and 
suffered  to  embody  and  train  savages.  Gen.  Jack* 
son,  about  the  first  of  September,  addressed  the 
War  Department  in  the  most  pressing  terrjos*     In 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  161 

one  of  his  letters,  he  says — "  How  long  will  the 
United  States  pocket  the  reproach  and  open  in- 
sults of  Spain  ?  It  is  alone  by  a  manly  and  dignifi- 
ed course,  that  we  can  secure  respect  from  other 
nations,  and  peace  to  our  own..  Temporizing 
policy  is  not  only  a  disgrace,  but  a  curse  to  any 
nation.  It  is  a  fact,  that  a  British  captain  of  ma- 
rines is,  and  has  been,  for  some  time,  engaged  in 
drilling  and  organizing  the  fugitive  Creeks,  under 
the  eye  of  the  governour  ;  endeavouring,  by  his  in- 
fluence and  presents,  to  draw  to  his  standard,  as 
well  the  peaceable,  as  the  hostile  Indians.  If  per- 
mission had  been  given  me  to  march  against  this 
phice,  (Pensacola,)  twenty  days  ago,  I  would  ere 

,  this,  have  planted  there  the  American  Eagle  ; 
now  we  must  trust  alone  to  our  valour,  and  the  jus- 
tice of  our  cause.  But  my  present  resources  are 
so  limited — a  sickly  climate,  as  well  as  an  enemy 
to  contend  with,  and  without  the  means  of  transp  r- 
tation,  to   change  the  position   of  my  army,  that, 

ft  resting  on  the  bravery  of  my  little  phalanx,  I  can 
only  hope  for  success." 

The  Secretary  at  War,  Mr.  Monroe,  incessant1) 
exerted  himself  to  second  the  measures  of  Ge  •. 
Jackson.  Having  acquired  Louisiana,  and  the  ex-» 
elusive  command  of  the  Mississippi  by  negotiation, 
he  was  now  called  upon  to  defend  it  as  the  head  of 
the  War  Department.  As  there  was,  within  the 
7ta  military  district,  but  a  very  small  amount  of 
regular  troops,  the  Secretary  made  a  requisition 
14* 


162  MEfiioms  or 

upon  the  executives  of  the  states  of  Louisiana,  Mi$* 
sissippi,  and  Tennessee,  to  have  their  full  quota  of 
militia  in  readiness  for  immediate  service,  at  the 
command  of  Gen.  Jackson.  Volunteers  were  agaia 
invited  by  Gen.  Jackson  to  resort  to  his  standard, 
under  which  they  had  always  conquered.  The 
whole  civilized  region  of  the  Mississippi,  was  "  wide 
awake,"  The  unbounded  popularity  of  Gen.  Jack- 
,son  induced  the  militia  not  only  with  promtness, 
but  with  animation,  to  repair  to  the  rendezvous  \ 
and  the  "  Tennessee  Volunteers,"  under  their 
gallant,  accomplished,  and  beloved  leader,  Gen. 
Coffee,  were  again  in  motion.  They  had  almost 
invariably  formed  the  van  of  Gen.  Jackson's  army ; 
and  of  their  immediate  commander,  it  may  be  said> 
"  he  dared  to  lead,  where  any  dared  to  follow." 

Gen.  Jackson,  before  the  middle  of  September^ 
had  established  his  head  quarters  at  Mobile,  waiting 
the  arrival  of  the  militia  and  volunteers,  some  of 
whom  had  to  travel  more  than  450  miles.  Upon 
the  14th,  he  received  a  message  from  Maj.  Wil- 
liam Lazvrence,  commander  of  Fort  Bowyer  at  the 
mouth  of  Mobile  bay,  requesting  immediate  assist- 
ance in  the  defence  of  that  important  post,  as  the 
enemy  had  landed  in  the  vicinity  of  that  place, 
with  a  force  probably  ten  times  the  amount  of  his 
own.  Maj.  Lawrence  had  but  1 53  men  lit  for  duty. 
He  took  immediate  measures  W  succour  this  ex- 
posed garrison-,  but  before  reinforcements  could 
reach  that  place,  it  was   simultaneously  attacked 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  16c* 

upon  the  1 5th,  by  the  British  and  Indian  forces,  by 
land,  and  by  a  large  naval  force  in  the  bay.  The 
defence  of  this  place  is  described  in  the  finished 
style  of  Gen,  Jackson,  and  Maj.  Lawrence. 

Gen.  JACKSON,  to  Hon.  JAMES  MONROE, 

*..  II.  Q.  7th  Military  District,  \ 
Mobile,  Sept.  17th,  1814.  S 

Sir — With  lively  emotions  of  satisfaction,  I  com- 
municate that  success  has  crowned  the  gallant  ef- 
forts of  our  brave  soldiers,  in  resisting  and  repulsing 
a  combined  British  naval  and  land  force,  which  on 
the  1 5th  instant,  attacked  Fort  Bowyer,  on  the 
Point  of  Mobile. 

I  enclose  a  copy  of  the  official  report  of  Maj. 
Wm.  Lawrence,  of  the  2d  infantry,  who  command- 
ed.    In  addition  to  the  particulars  communicated 

|jn  his  letter,  I  have  learned  that  the  ship  which  was 
destroyed,  was  the  Hermes,  of  from  24  to  28  guns, 
captain,  the  Hon.    Wm.   H,    Percy,   senior   offi- 

llcer  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico ;  and  the  brig  so  con- 
siderably damaged,  is  the  Sophie,  1 8  guns,  Capt. 
Wm.  Lockyer.  The  other  ship  was  the  Carron,  of 
from  24  to  28  guns,  Capt.  Spencer,  son  of  Earl 
Spencer:  the  other  brig's  name  unknown.  On 
board  of  the  Carron,  85  men  were  killed  and 
wounded;  a^nong  whom  was  Col.  Nicoll,  of  the 
Royal  Marines,  who  lost  an  eye  by  a  splinter.  The 
land  force  consisted  of  110  marines,  and  200 
Creek  Indians,  under  the  command  of  Capt,  Wood- 


164  MEMOIRS    OP 

bine,  of  marines,  and  about  20  artillerists,  with  one 
four  and  an  half  inch  howitzer,  from  which  they 
discharged  shells  and  nine  pound  shot.  They  re- 
embarked  the  piece,  and  retreated  by  land  towards 
Pensacola,  whence  they  came. 

By  the  morning  report  of  the  16th,  there  were 
present  in  the  fort,  lit  for  duty,  officers  and  men,  153. 

The  result  of  this  engagement  has  stamped  a 
character  on  the  war  in  this  quarter,  highly  favour- 
able to  the  American  arms ;  it  is  an  event  from 
which  may  he,  drawn  the  most  favourable  augury. 

An  achievement  so  glorious  in  itself,  and  so  im- 
portant in  its  consequences,  should  be  appreciated 
by  the  government ;  and  those  concerned  are  en- 
titled to,  and  will,  doubtless,  receive  the  most 
gratifying  evidence  of  the  approbation  of  their 
countrymen. 

In  the  words  of  Maj.  Lawrence,  "  where  all  be-* 
haved  well, it  is  unnecessary  to  discriminate."   But 
all  being  meritorious,  I  beg  leave  to  annex  the  names 
of  the  officers,  who  were  engaged  and  present  5  and  t 
hope  they   will,  individually,  be   deemed  worthy 
of  distinction. 

Maj.  Wm.  Lawrence,  2d  infantry,  commanding  5 
Capt.  Walsh,  of  the  artillery  ;  Capts.  Chamber- 
lain, Brownlow,  and  Bradley,  of  the  2d  infantry  5 
Capts.  Sands,  deputy-commissary  of  Ordnance; 
Lieuts.  Villard,  Sturges,  Conway,  H.  Sanders,  T. 
R.  Sanders,  Brooks,  Davis,  and  C.  Sanders,  all  of 
fhe  2d  infantry. 


ANDRRW  JA€KSON.  L&J 

I  am  confident  that  your  own  feelings  will  lead 
you  to  participate  in  my  wishes  on  this  subject. 
Permit  me  to  suggest  the  propriety  and  justice  of 
allowing  to  this  gallant  band,  the  value  of  the  ves- 
sel destroyed  by  them.     I  remain,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  Brig.  Gen.  Com. 

The  Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 

The  following  is  "  the  official  report  of  Maj* 
William  Lawrence,1'  alluded  to  by  Gen.  Jacksor^ 
in  his  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Maj.  LAWRENCE  So  G*jr,  JACKSON. 

FortBowyer,  Sept.  15th,  1814,  * 
\%  o'clock  at  night.  y 

Sir — After  writing  the  enclosed,  I  was  prevented 
by  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  from  sending  it  by 
an  express.  At  meridian  they  were  under  full  sail, 
with  an  easy  and  favourable  breeze,  standing  di- 
rectly for  the  fort,  and  at  4  P.  M.  we  opened  our 
battery,  which  was  returned  from  two  ships,  and. 
two  brigs,  as  they  approached.  The  action  be- 
came general  at  about  20  minutes  past  4,  and  was 
continued  without  intermission  on  either  side  until 
7,  when  one  ship  and  two  brigs  were  compelled  to 
retire.  The  leading  ship,  supposed  to  be  the  Com- 
modore, mounting  twenty-two  32-pound  carron- 
ades,  having  anchored  nearest  our  battery,  was 
so  much  disabled,  her  cable  being  cut  by  our  shot, 
lhat  she  drifted  on  §hore3  within  600  yards  of  thq 


M>Q  MEMOIRS  ©£ 

battery,  and  the  other  vessels  having  got  out  of  our 
reach,  we  kept  such  a  tremendous  fire  upon  her, 
that  she  was  set  on  fire,  and  abandoned  by  the  few 
of  the  crew  who  survived.  At  10  P.  M.  we  had 
the  pleasure  of  witnessing  the  explosion  of  her 
magazine.  The  loss  of  lives  on  hoard  must  have 
been  immense,  as  we  are  certain  no  boats  left  her 
except  three,  which  had  previously  gone  to  her  as- 
sistance, and  one  of  these  I  believe  was  sunk;  in 
fact  -one  of  her  boats  was  burned  along  side  of  her. 

The  brig  that  followed  her,  I  am  certain  was 
much  damaged  both  in  hull  and  rigging.  The 
other  two  did  not  approach  near  enough  to  be  much 
injured,  but  I  am  confident  they  did  not  escape,  as 
a  well-directed  fire  was  kept  on  them  during  the 
whole  time, 

During  the  action,  a  battery  of  a  12  pounder  and 
a  howitzer,  was  opened  on  our  rear,  but  without 
doing  any  execution,  and  was  silenced  by  a  few 
shot.  Our  loss  is  four  privates  killed,  and  five 
privates  wounded. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  action  the  flag-staff 
was  shot  away  ;  but  the  flag  was  immediately  hoist- 
ed on  a  sponge  staff  over  the  parapet.  While  the 
flag  was  down,  the  enemy  kept  up  their  most  in- 
cessant and  tremendous  fire  ;  the  men  wer§  with- 
drawn from  the  curtains  and  north-east  bastion,  as 
the  enemy's  own  shot  completely  protected  our 
rear,  except  the  position  they  had  chosen  for  their 
battery. 


ANDREW  JACKSOX.  167 

Where  all  behaved  well,  it  is  unnecessary  io  dis- 
criminate. Suffice  it  to  say,  every  officer  and  man 
did  his  duty;  the  whole  behaved  with  that  coolness 
and  intrepidity  which  is  characteristic  of  the  true 
American,  and  which  could  scarcely  have  been  ex- 
pected from  men,  most  of  whom  tod  never  seen 
a;i  enemy,  and  were  now  for  the  first  time,  expos- 
ed for  nearly  three  hours,  to  a  force  of  nearly  or 
quite,  four  guns  to  one. 

We  tired  during  the  action  between  4  and  500 
guns,  most  of  them  double  shotted,  and  after  the 
first  half  hour,  but  few  missed  effect. 

September  16il),   11  o'clock,  A    M. 

Upon  an  examination  of  our  battery  this  morn* 
ing,  we  find  upwards  of  300  shot  and  shot  holes,  in 
the  inside  of  the  north  and  east  curtains,  and  north- 
east bastions,  of  all  calibres,  from  musket  bail  to 
32  pound  shot.  In  the  north-east  bastion,  there 
were  three  guns  dismounted  ;  one  of  which,  a  four 
pounder,  was  broken  off  near  the  trunnions  by  a  32 
pound  shot,  and  another  much  battered.  I  regret  to 
say,  that  both  the  24-pounders  are  cracked  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  render  them  unfit  for  service. 

I  am  informed  by  two  deserters  from  the  land 
force,  who  have  just  arrived  here,  and  whom  I  send 
for  your  disposal,  that  a  reinforcement  is  expected, 
when  they  will  doubtless  endeavour  to  wipe  off  the 
stain  of  v  esterday. 

If  you  will  send  the  Amelia  down,  we  may  pro- 
bably save  most  or  a'l  of  the  ship's  gftns,  as  her 
wnvck  is  lying  in  six  or  seven  feet  water,  and  <?omc 


268  MEMOIRS  OF 

of  them  are  just  covered.     They  will  not,  however* 
answer  for  the  fort,  as  they  are  too  short. 

By  the  deserters,  we  learn  that  the  ship  we  have 
destroyed,  was  the  Hermes,  but  her  commander's 
name  they  did  not  recollect.  It  was  the  Commo- 
dore, and  he  doubtless  fell  on  his  quarter-deck,  as 
we  had  a  raking  fire  upon  it,  at  about  two  hundred 
yards  distance,  for  some  time. 

To  Capt.  Sands,  who  will  have  the  honour  of 
handing  you  this  dispatch,  I  refer  you  for  a  more 
particular  account  of  the  movements  of  the  enemy 
than  may  be  contained  in  my  letters  :  his  services 
both  before  and  during  the  action,  were  of  great 
importance,  and  I  consider  fully  justify  me  in  hav- 
ing detained  him.  Capt.  Walsh  and  several  men 
were  much  burned  by  the  accidental  explosion  of 
two  or  three  cartridges.  They  are  not  included 
in  the  list  of  wounded  heretofore  given. 

The  enemy's  fleet  this  morning  at  day  break, 
were  at  anchor  in  the  channel,  about  four  miles 
from  the  fort ;  shortly  after,  it  got  under  weigh  and 
stood  to  sea  ;  after  passing  the  bar,  they  hove  too, 
and  boats  have  been  constantly  passing  between 
the  disabled  brig  and  the  others.  I  presume  the 
former  is  so  much  injured  as  to  render  it  necessary 
to  lighten  her. 

Fifteen  minutes  after  1,  P.  M. 

The  whole  fleet  have  this  moment  made  sail,  and 
are  standing  to  sea.     1  have  the  honour  to  be  &c. 
WILLIAM  LAWRENCE. 
Maj.  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson,  &c. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  169 

When  it  is  considered  that  this  fort  was  in  a  very 
incomplete  state,  having  been  almost  totally  aban- 
doned, until  Gen.  Jackson  had  recently  discov- 
ered its  importance  to  the  surrounding  country  in 
time  of  war — that  it  was  only  in  a  progressive  state 
of  improvement — that  it  was  garrisoned  by  only  an 
hundred  and  fifty  new  recruits,  who  had  never 
before  faced  a  veteran  enemy — and  that  it  was  as- 
sailed on  every  side  by  land  and  naval  forces,  pro- 
bably amounting  to  1500  men,  and  an  hundred 
pieces  of  cannon,  its  defence  may  be  ranked  among 
the  most  gallant  achievements  in  the  last,  or  any 
previous  war  in  America.  When  the  defences  of 
Stonnington,  Fort  M' Henry,  Fort  Bowyer,  vand  Fort 
St.  Phillips  are  remembered,  the  "  naval  demonstra- 
tions" of  the  haughty  mistress  of  the  ocean,  lose 
the  terrour  which  our  countrymen  formerly  attach- 
ed to  them ;  and  shews  that  independent  and  valiant 
freemen,  defending  their  homes  against  modern 
hired  Vandals,  sent  to  destroy  them,  will  be  victo 

nous. 

16 


1  70  MEMOIRS  OF 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Gen.  Jackson  is  appointed  Maj.  Gen,  in  U.  S.  army — 
Fort  Bowyer — its  importance,  and  its  danger — Gen. 
Jackson  determines  to  reduce  Pensacola — Arrival  of 
Gen.  Coffee  with  Tennessee  Volunteers  and  Missis- 
sippi Dragoons — Capture  of  Pensacola — Gen.  Jack- 
son's account  of  it — Destruction  of  the  Barancas — 
He  returns  to  Mobile — Col.  NicolPs  proclamation 
—Remark. 

PREVIOUS  to  this  period,  (Oct.  1814,)  Gen. 
Jackson  had  been  appointed  a  Major.general  in  the 
army  of  the  United  States,  and  Commander  of  the 
7th  military  district.  He  had  been  Major-general, 
by  brevet,  some  time  antecedent  to  this  appointment, 
and  commander  of  the  same  district. 

The  importance  of  Fort  Bowyer  as  a  military 
post,  became  more  and  more  apparent  to  him,  as  he 
discovered  the  immense  preparation  of  the  enemy, 
to  assail  the  whole  American  sea-board,  from  Pen- 
sacola to  New-Orleans.  This  fort  was  but  three 
days'  march  for  land  forces  from  Pensacola,  where 
the  British  had  already  hoisted  their  flag  ;  and  from 
thence  to  New-Orleans,  but  ten  days'  march.  By 
the  possession  of  this  fort  at  the  mouth  of  the  ca- 
pacious bay  of  Mobile — the  bay  itself,  and  the  ad- 
joining country,  the  British  land  and  naval  forces 
would  derive  incalculable  advantages.  To  secure 
it,  therefore,  was,  in  the  view  of  the  commanding 
.general,  of  the  utmost  importance.     But  however 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  173 

important  the  measure,  ihc  means  to  accomplish  it 
were  altogether  beyond  his  reach.  Without  a  na- 
val force,  to  cover  the  fort,  or  to  assist  in  its  defence, 
with  but  a  small  regular  force  under  his  command 
at  Mobile,  and  wholly  uncertain  when  the  forces 
from  the  distant  state  of  Tennessee,  and  other  pla- 
ces, would  arrive,  it  would  seem  to  have  been  the 
dictate,  not  only  of  the  cardinal  virtue  of  prudence, 
but  of  fortitude  itself,  to  have  evacuated  the  fori 
and  the  country  at  once.  The  gallant  defence  of 
this  place,  upon  the  15th,  Sept.  although  a  severe 
mortification  to  the  enemy,  would  induce  them  to 
send  a  force  against  it,  absolutely  irresistible.  So 
insufficient  were  his  means  of  defence,  from  the 
middle  of  September,  to  about  the  20th  October, 
and  so  overwhelming  wa3  the  superiority  of  the 
enemy's  force,  and  constantly  augmenting,  that  had 
he,  at  this  time,  retired  to  New  Orleans,  with  his 
little  army,  an  unanimous  sentence  of  approbation 
must  have  been  pronounced  by  his  countrymen. 
But  his  language  was  "  resting  on  the  bravery  of 
my  little  phalanx,  i  hope  for  success."  Not- 
withstanding the  discouraging  aspect  of  affairs,  it 
was  at  this  period  that  he  resolved,  on  his  own  res- 
ponsibility, to  march  for  Pensacola  ;  and  with  his 
army — "  to  carry  our  arms  where  we  find  our  ene- 
mies.*"    Having  been  educated  as  a  jurist,  he  wras 

*  Had  it  not  been  for  pome  unaccountable  neglect  or  design  iu 
the  War  Department,  in  July  1814,  Gen.  Jackson  would  nor 
have  been  reduced  to  this  dilemma.  Upon  January  1 7th ,  1815* 
<*ie  received  a  letter  from  Mr,  Armstrong,  darted  July  18th,  1814. 


172  MEMOIRS  OF 

versed  in  the  princples  of  the  Law  of  Nations.  He 
had  a  knowledge  of  the  obligations  which  one  go* 
vernment  owes  to  another — he  was  aware  of  the 
acts  which  this  code  would  justify  in  a  belligerent 
power,  and  the  duty  it  enjoined  upon  a  power  that 
was  professedly  a  neutral  one.  The  Spanish  go- 
vernment at  this  time,  in  regard  to  the  Americail 
Republic,  was  of  the  latter  character  by  profession, 
and  of  the  former  one  by  practice.  He  determined 
to  place  himself  within  striking  distance  of  the  ene- 
my, whether  he  found  them  devastating  the  terri- 
tory of  the  Republic,  or  preparing  to  do  it  in  the 
adjoining  territory  of  another  power.  The  pro- 
priety and  legality  of  this  measure  will  more  pro- 
perly be  considered,  when  we  have  traced  the  life 
of  Gen.  Jackson  to  the  year  1818,  when  he,  a 
second  time,  carried  the  American  arms  to  the  capi- 
tal of  Florida. 

About  the  25th  October,  the  exhilarating,intelli- 
gence  was  received  at  Mobile,  that  Gen.  Coffee  had 
arrived  at  Fort  St.  Stevens,  with  nearly  3000 
"Tennessee  Volunteers, "and  Mississippi  Dragoons. 
The  news  operated  upon  the  "  little  phalanx,"  like 
a  shock  of  electricity  upon  the  human  system. 
Though  previously  resolved  to  follow  their  com- 
as Secretary  of  War,  which  says — "  If  all  the  circumstances 
stated  by  you,  unite,  the  conclusion  is  irresistible.  It  becomes  ou- 
duty  to  carry  our  arms  v:here  we  find  our  enemies. *'  Mr.  Arm- 
strong, not  long  after  this  date,  was  succeeded  in  the  war  depart- 
ment, by  Mr.  Monroe.  The  whole  of  this  letter  may  be  seen  by 
recurrence  to  the  publication*  of  that  period. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  173 

mander  to  the  cannon's  mouth,  and  force  their  way 
into  the  fortress  of  the  enemy,  though  bristled  with 
bayonets,  they  became  enthusiastic  when  they 
knew  they  were  reinforced  by  veterans,  to  many 
of  whom  victory  had  become  familiar,  and  who 
were  ignorant  of  the  name  of  fear.  Gen.  Jackson 
hastened  to  the  encampment  of  his  companion  in 
arms.  He  might  have  said  of  Gen.  Coffee,  as  Nel- 
son said  of  Capt.  Hardy — "  He  is  my  right  arm." 
They  had  travelled  hand  in  hand,  in  the  high  road 
to  conquest  over  savages,  and  were  now  again 
united  in  a  desperate  effort  to  save  their  country 
from  subjugation  and  slavery,  by  the  vaunting  con* 
querors  of  the  rights  of  man  in  Europe. 

Many  of  the  troops  who  arrived  from  Tennessee, 
and  Mississippi,  had  seen  no  service,  but  they  saw 
their  beloved  country  endangered,  and  they  imme- 
diately became  practical,  if  not  theoretical  soldiers* 
Parts  of  the  3d,  39th,  and  44th  infantry  of  U.  S* 
soldiers,  were  mingled  with  them.  In  a  few  days, 
they  were  all  ready  for  an  expedition  to  Pensacola, 
to  "  plant  the  American  Eagle,"  in  the  place  of  the 
British  Lion* 

Upon  the  3d  November,  the  army  took  up  the 
line  of  march.  Gen.  Jackson  commanded  in  per- 
son. Upon  the  6th,  he  approached  the  place,  and 
sent  forward  a  flag  to  the  governour  at  Fort  St. 
George.     In  open  violation  of  every  principle  of 

*  A  British  flag  had,  for  many  days,  beenhoisted  at  the  Span- 
ish fort  in  Pensacola. 

15* 


174  MEMOIRS    OF 

civilized  warfare — in  flagrant  contempt  of  the 
rights  even  of  contending  armies,  Maj.  Pierre,  who 
bore  the  flag,  was  fired  on  by  a  cannon  from  the 
fort  !  It  was  courtesy  alone,  that  induced  Gen. 
Jackson  to  send  the  flag.  His  wish  was,  notwith- 
standing the  previous  insolence  of  governour  Man- 
requez,  to  save  the  effusion  of  human  blood,  by  a 
pacific  interview,  explaining  the  object  of  his  visit; 
and  had  he  immediately  stormed  the  fort,  and  put 
the  garrison  to  the  sword,  the  laws  of  war  would 
have  justified  the  procedure.  He  encamped  his 
troops  for  the  night,  and  upon  the  morning  of  the 
7th,  "proclaimed  his  diplomatic  character  from  the 
mouths  of  his  cannon*" 

The  general  hastily  and  briefly  describes  the 
battle  in  the  following  letter,  having  subsequently 
made  his  report  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Gen.  JACKSON  to  Gov.  BLOUNT. 

H.  Q.  7th  Military  district,  ) 
Tensawy  Nov.  14,  1814.  $ 

Sir — On  last  evening  I  returned  from  Pensacola 

to  this  place.     I  reached  that  post  on  the  evening 

of  the  6th.     On  my  approach  I  sent  Major  Pierre 

with  a  flag  to  communicate  the  object  of  my  visit  to 

the  Governour  of  Pensacola.     He  approached  Fort 

St.  George,  with  his  flag  displayed,  and  was  fired  on 

by  the  cannon  from  the  fort ;  he  returned  and  made 

report  thereof  to  me.     1  immediately  went  with  the 

Adjutant-General  and  the  Major,  with  a  small  escort 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  1  75 

and  viewed  the  fort,  and  found  it  defended  by  both 
British  and  Spanish  troops.  I  immediately  deter- 
mined to  storm  the  town  ;  retired  and  encamped 
my  troops  for  the  night,  and  made  the  necessary 
arrangements  to  carry  my  determination  into  effect 
the  next  day. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7th,  I  marched  with  the 
effective  regulars  of  the  3d,  39th,  and  44th  infantry  ; 
part  of  Gen.  Coffee's  brigade  ;  the  Mississippi'dra- 
goons,  and  part  of  the  West  Tennessee  regiment, 
commanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  Hammonds,  (Col.  Lowry 
having  deserted  and  gone  home,)  and  part  of  the 
Choctaws,  led  by  Maj.  Blue,  of  the  39th,  and  Maj. 
Kennedy,  of  Mississippi  Territory.  Being  en- 
camped on  the  west  of  the  town,  I  calculated  they 
would  expect  the  assault  from  that  quarter,  and  be 
prepared  to  rake  me  from  the  fort,  and  the  Brit- 
ish armed  vessels,  7  in  number,  that  lay  in  the  bay* 
To  cherish  this  idea,  I  sent  out  part  of  the  mount- 
ed men  to  show  themselves  on  the  west,  whilst  I 
passed  in  rear  of  the  fort  undiscovered  to  the  east 
of  the  town.  When  I  appeared  within  a  mile,  I 
was  in  full  view.  My  pride  was  never  more  height- 
ened than  in  viewing  the  uniform  firmness  of  my 
troops,  and  with  what  undaunted  courage  they  ad- 
vanced, with  a  strong  fort  ready  to  assail  them  on 
the  right ;  seven  British  armed  vessels  on  the  left ; 
strong  block-houses  and  batteries  of  cannon'in  their 
front :  but  they  still  advanced  with  unshaken  firm- 
ness, entered  the  town,  when  a  battery  of  two  can- 


176  MEMOIRS  OF 

non  was  opened  upon  the  centre  column,  compos- 
ed of  regulars,  with  ball  and  grape,  and  a  shower 
of  musketry  from  the  houses  and  gardens.  The 
battery  was  immediately  stormed  by  Capt.  Levall 
and  company,  and  carried,  and  the  musketry  was 
soon  silenced  by  the  steady  and  well  directed  fire 
of  the  regulars. 

The  governour  met  Cols.  Williamson  and  Smith, 
who  led  the  dismounted  volunteers,  with  a  flag, 
begged  for  mercy,  and  surrendered  the  town  and 
fort,  unconditionally.  Mercy  was  granted  and  pro- 
tection given  to  the  citizens  and  their  property, 
and  still  Spanish  treachery  kept  us  out  of  posses- 
ion of  the  fort,  until  nearly  1 2  o'clock  at  night. 

Never  was  more  cool,  determined  bravery  dis- 
played by  any  troops  ;  and  the  Choctaws  advanced 
to  the  charge  with  equal  bravery. 

On  the  morning  of  the  8th,  I  prepared  to  march 
and  storm  theBarancas  ;  but  before  I  could  move, 
tremendous  explosions  told  me  that  the  Barancas, 
with  all  its  appendages,  was  blown  up.  I  dis- 
patched a  datachment  of  two  hundred  men  to  ex- 
plore it,  who  returned  in  the  night  with  the  infor- 
mation that  it  was  blown  up  ;  all  the  combustible 
parts  burnt,  the  cannon  spiked  and  dismounted, 
except  two.  This  being  the  case,  I  determined  to 
withdraw  my  troops  ;  but  before  I  did,  I  had  the 
pleasure  to  see  the  British  depart.  Col.  Nicoll 
abandoned  the  fort   on  the  night  of  the  6th,  and 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  1  7V 

betook  himself  to  his  shipping,  with  his  friend  Capt. 
Woodbine,  and  their  red  friends. 

The  steady  firmness  of  my  troops  has  drawn  a 
just  respect  from  our  enemies.  It  has  convinced 
the  Red  Sticks,  that  they  have  no  strong  hold  or 
protection,  only  in  the  friendship  of  the  United 
States.  The  good  order  and  conduct  of  my  troops 
whilst  in  Pensacola,  has  convinced  the  Spaniard* 
of  our  friendship  and  our  prowess,  and  has  drawn 
from  the  citizens  an  expression,  that  our  Choctaw  s 
are  more  civilized  than  the  British. 

In  great  haste,  I  am  &c, 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

In  this  engagement,  not  an  American  lost  his  life. 
The  gallant  Capt.  Levall,  mentioned  in  the  gene- 
ral's letter,  commenced  the  attack,  and  fell  des- 
perately wounded  at  the  head  of  his  command,  in 
storming  the  enemy's  battery.  The  conduct  of 
Gov.  Manrequez,  in  the  midst  of  the  engagement, 
is  a  volume  of  commentary  upon  his  previous 
conduct.  "  With  a  flag,  he  begged  for  mercy,  and 
surrendered  the  town  and  fort,  unconditionally  /" 
Gen.  Jackson  might  have  said  to  him,  as  a  gallant 
chieftain  of  antiquity  did  to  a  trembling  and  sup- 
plicating foe — "  Be  not  as  extreme  in  submission 
as  in  offence,"  This  generous  commander  felt  a 
contemptuous  pity  for  the  humbled  governour. 
He  was  aware  that  he  was  not  a  free  agent,  and  of 
course,  hardly  an  accountable  being*     He  acted 


I7S  MEMOIRS  OF 

under  duress  from  the  imperious  Col.  Nicoll  and 
Capt.  Woodbine,  who,  no  less  terrified  than  the 
governour,  fled  in  consternation  to  their  shipping, 
before  a  gun  was  fired  ;  in  which,  if  they  could  not 
withstand,  they  could  flee  from  the  vengeance  of 
Republican  Soldiers. 

Soon  after  the  terms  of  capitulation  were  agreed 
upon,  the  governour  agreed  also  to  surrender  the 
Barancas,  about  fifteen  miles  to  the  westward. 
But  in  perfect  consistency  with  Spanish  faith,  and 
British  honour,  it  was  blown  up  and  completely  de- 
molished before  it  could  be  possessed  by  the  Amer- 
ican forces. 

Gen.  Jackson, having  struck  this  important  blow ; 
having  convinced  the  hostile  Indians,  that  Spaniards 
could  not  protect  them ;  and  Spaniards,  that  the  con- 
fident security  they  had  placed  in  British  protec- 
tion, only  exposed  them  to  destruction,  he  immedi- 
ately prepared  to  throw  himself  and  his  army,  into 
the  more  exposed  parts  of  the  country.  It  excites 
astonishment  that  he  should  have  left  Mobile  upon 
the  3d,  arrived  at  Pensacola  upon  the  6th,  captured 
it  upon  the  7th,  agreed  upon  the  surrender  of  the 
Barancas  upon  the  8th,  and  upon  the  9th,  have 
taken  up  the  line  of  march  for  Mobile  to  defend  Fort 
Bowyer.  To  this  celerity  of  movement,  and  impor- 
tance of  measures,  modern  warfare  scarcely  furn- 
ishes a  parallel.  Gen.  Jackson  possesses  one  of  the 
most  essential  attributes  of  a  warrior — promptitude. 
He  decides  promptly,  he  executes  promptly.     Ho 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  179 

also  possesses  the  rare  quality  of  infusing  into  the 
hearts  of  his  soldiers,  the  ardour  that  inspires  his  own. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  in  the  eas- 
tern section  of  the  7th  military  district,  the  solici- 
tude of  the  commander  and  of  the  whole  adjoining 
country,  was  encreased  for  the  safety  of  New  Or- 
leans, emphatically  the  key  of  the  whole  Western 
States  and  Territories. 

Co1.  Nicoll,  soon  after  his  arrival  at  Pensacola, 
confident  of  success,  and  swelling  with  the  "  un- 
fathered laurels"  of  anticipated  victories,  endeav- 
oured to  prepare  the  minds  of  Louisianians,  Ken- 
tttckiaps,  Tennesseeans,  and  the  citizens  of  Missis- 
sippi, for  the  blessings  of  British  dominion,  tq  which 
they  would  shortly  be  subjected.  Although  his 
celebrated  Proclamation  has  long  been  before 
the  indignant  reader,  to  hold  that  and  him  up  again 
to  contempt,  I  insert  it  in  this  work. 

Col.  Nicoll,  to  Louisianians,  Kextuckians,  <fcc. 

"  Natives  of  Louisiana !  On  you  the  first  call  is 
made,  to  assist  in  liberating  from  a  faithless,  imbe- 
cile government,  your  paternal  soil  :  Spaniards, 
Frenchmen,  Italians,  and  British,  whether  settled, 
or  residing  for  a  time  in  Louisiana,  on  you,  also,  I 
call,  to  aidme  in  this  just  cause.  The  Americanusur- 
pation,  in  this  country  must  be  abolished,  and  the 
lawful  owners  of  the  soil  put  in  possession.  I  am 
at  the  head  of  a  large  body  of  Indians,  well  arm- 
ed, disciplined,   and   commanded    by  British  offi- 


t'80  MEMOIRS  OF 

cers — a  good  train  of  artillery,  with  every  requisite, 
seconded  by  the  powerful  aid  of  a  numerous  British 
and  Spanish  squadron  of  ships  and  vessels  of  war. 
Be  not  alarmed,  inhabitants  of  the  country,  at  our 
approach  ;  the  same  good  faith  and  disinterested- 
ness, which  has  distinguished  the  conduct  of  Briton? 
in  Europe,  accompanies  them  here  ;  you  will  have 
no  fear  of  litigious  taxes  imposed  on  you,  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  on  an  unnatural  and  unjust  war; 
your  property,  your  laws,  the  peace  and  tranquillity 
of  your  country,  will  be  guaranteed  to  you  by  men, 
who  will  suffer  no  infringement  of  their's.  Rest  as- 
sured, that  these  brave  red  men  only  burn  with  an  ar- 
dent desire  of  satisfaction,  for  the  wrongs  they  have 
suffered  from  the  Americans  ;  to  join  you,  in  libera- 
ting these  southern  provinces  from  their  yoke,  and 
drive  them  into,  those  limits,  formerly  prescribed 
by  my  sovereign.  The  Indians  have  pledged  them- 
selves in  the  most  solemn  manner,  not  to  injure,  in 
the  slightest  degree,  the  persons  or  properties  of 
any,  but  enemies.  A  flag  over  any  door,  whether 
Spanish,  French,  or  British,  will  be  a  certain  pro- 
tection ;  nor  dare  any  Indian  put  his  foot  on  the 
threshold  thereof,  under  penalty  of  death  from  his 
own  countrymen ;  not  even  an  enemy,  will  an  Indian 
put  to  death,  except  resisting  in  arms  ;  and  as  for 
injuring  helpless  women  and  children,  the  red  men, 
by  their  good  conduct,  and  treatment  to  them,  will 
(if  it  be  possible)  make  the  Americans  blush  for 
their  more  inhuman  conduct  lately  on  the  Escam- 
bia :  and  within  a  neutral  territory. 


Inhabitants  of  Kentucky !  you  Lave  too  long 
rne  with  grievous  impositions — the  whole  brunt 
of  the  war  has  fallen  on  your  brave  sons  :  be  im- 
posed on  no  longer,  but  either  range  yourselves 
tinder  the  standard  of  your  forefathers,  or  observe 
a  strict  neutrality. 

If  you  comply  with  either  of  these  offers,  what- 
ever provisions  you  send  down,  will  he  paid  for  in 
dollars,  and  the  safety  of  the  persons  bringing  it.  us 
?cell  as  the  free  navigation  of  Ike  Mississippi,  guar- 
anteed to  you.  Men  of  Kentucky  !  let  me  call  to 
your  view,  (and  I  trust  to  your  abhorrence,)  the 
conduct  of  those  factions,  which  hurried  you  into 
this  civil,  unjust,  and  unnatural  zvar,  at  a  time 
when  Great  Britain  was  straining  every  nerve,  in 
>  defence  of  her  own,  and  the  liberties  of  the  world — 
when  the  bravest  of  her  sons  were  fighting  and 
bleeding  in  so  sacred  a  cause — when  she  was 
spending  millions  of  her  treasure,  in  endeavouring 
to  pull  down  one  of  the  most  formidable  and  dan- 
gerous tyrants,  that  ever  disgraced  the  form  ci 
man— when  groaning  Europe  was  almost  in  her 
last  gasp — when  Britons  alone  showed  an  undaunted 
front — basely  did  those  assassins  endeavour  to  stab 
her  from  the  rear  ;  she  has  turned  on  them,  reno- 
vated from  the  bloody,  but  successful  struggle. 
Europe  is  happy  and  free,  and  she  now  hastens, 
justly,  to  revenge  the  unprovoked  insult.  Show 
them  that  you  are  not  collectively  unjust ;  leave 
that  contemptible  few  to  shift  for  themselves  ; 


182  memoirs  or 

I 

those  slaves  of  the  tyrant  send  an  embassy  io  Elba. 
and  implore  his  aid  ;  but  let  every  honest,  upright 
American  spurn  them  with  united  contempt.  After 
the  experience  of  twenty-one  year?,  can  you  longer 
Support  those  brawlers  for  liberty,  who  call  it  free- 
dom, when  themselves  are  free  ?  Be  no  longer 
their  dupes — accept  of  my  offers — every  thing  1 
have  promised  in  this  paper,  I  guarantee  to  you. 
on  the  sacred  honour  of  a  British  officer. 

Given  under  my  hand,  at  my  head-quarters,. 
Pensacola,  this  29th  day  of  August,  1814. 

EDWARD  NICOLL. 

It  would  be  difficult  to  determine  whether  weak- 
ness, ignorance,  arrogance,  or  falsehood  predomin- 
ates in  this  British  statepaper;  and  whether  it  was  the 
production  of  a  cabinet  council  at  London,  or  of  the 
individual  labour  of  the  redoubted  Col.  Nicoll.  It 
would  be  "  stale,  flat,  and  unprofitable,"  to  analyze  or 
criticise  it.  It  evinces  the  weakness  of  the  author, 
his  ignorance  of  the  American  character,  the  arro- 
gance of  a  coward,  and  the  baseness  of  a  scoundrel. 
The' conduct  of  Nicoll  at  Pensacola,  is  a  sufficient 
commentary  upon  his  proclamation.  Having  du- 
ped the  govefoour  of  Florida,  and  exposed  his 
capital  to  destruction,  he  basely  deserted  him  in 
his  utmost  need,  and  shewed,  that  with  an  ancient 
British  Knight,  he  thought  "  the  better  part  of 
valour  is — discretion.'?  Maj.  Lawrence  at  Fort 
Bowycr,  taught  him,  lor  the  rest  part  of  his  Ufa.,  to 


ANDREW  JACKSO.W  i  U o 

look  with  a  single  eye.*  No  proclamation  could 
be  better  calculated  to  call  the  gallant  sons  of  Ken- 
tucky, Tennessee,  Louisiana,  and  Mississippi  to  the 
standard  of  the  American  Hero,  than  this.  They 
knew  well  how  to  distinguish  between  his  patriot- 
ism and  courage,  and  "  the  sacred  honour  of  a  Brit- 
ish officer."  It  will  be  remembered  that  another 
British  officer,  Gen.  Brisbane,  invited  the  citizens 
of  New-York  and  Vermont,  to  flee  to  the  standard 
of  Sir  Geo.  Preyost  at  Plattsburg.  They  preferred 
that  of  Gen.  Macomb  )  and  there  taught  the  vaunt- 
ing conquerors  of  Napoleon  the  same  lesson  at  the 
North,  which  Gen.  Jackson  afterwards  repeated  to 
tfiera  at  the  South. 

*  See  Gen.  Jackson's  account  of  the  defence  of  Fort  Bowyer. 


$$4?  BfEMQfftS    OT 


CHAPTER  XIIL 

Gen.  Jackson's  arrival  at  New  Orleans — perilous  aitti- 
ation  of  that  place — reliance  upon  distant  forces — 
his  address'  to  the  people  of  Louisiana — timidity  of 
the  legislature — evidence  of  disaffection,  and  traitor- 
ous conduct — Declaration  of  Martial  Law — Measures 
of  defence-—  A/rival  of  reinforcements-—  Landing  of 
the  enemy — Battle  of  the  23d.  December— Official 
report  of  if, 

THE  solicitude  which  Gen.  Jackson  felt  for  the 
safety  of  Mobile  bay  and  Fort  Bowyer,  was  now 
almost  forgotten  in  the  overwhelming  anxiety  he 
endured  for  the  most  important  place  in  his  district, 
and  in  some  respects,  in  the  Union — -JSfew  Orleans* 
For  a  considerable  period  there  had  been  no  gen- 
eral oiBcer  in  the  7th  military  district  but  himself, 
who  was  attached  to  the  army  of  the  United  States, 
although  with  him  there  had  long  been  one  general 
officer  who  would  adorn  any  service.  At  length 
Brig.  Gen.  Winchester,  of  U.  S.  army,  arrived,  and 
to  him  Gen.  Jackson  assigned  the  command  of  the 
eastern  section  of  his  district,  and  immediately  re- 
paired to  New-Orleans. 

He  arrived  at  this  place  upon  the  2d  December. 
L814.  A  mere  casuist  may  wonder  why  the  pre- 
sence of  a  single  individual  at  an  exposed  place, 
is  an  augury  of  its  safety  ;  but  it  is  in  vain  for  casu- 
ists, philosophers,  or  stoics,  to  laugh  at  a  sentiment 
that  is  common  to  our  nature.     The  presence  <sf 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  185 

Washington  at  Trenton,  and  of  Putnam  at  Bunked* 
HilL  bad  the  same  effect  upon  citizens  and  soldiers, 
as  that  of  Jackson  at  New  Orleans. 

At  no  period  since  the  declaration  of  American 
Independence  in  July  1776,  to  December  1814,  had 
an  American  commander  a  duty  of  more  impor- 
tance and  difficulty  to  discharge  than  had  Gen.  Jack- 
son at  this  portentous  period.  At  Mobile,  with 
means  apparently  wholly  insufficient,  (to  use  his 
own  language,)  he  had  "  a  sickly  climate,  as  well  as 
an  enemy  to  contend  with." — At  New  Orleans  he 
had  to  contend  with  the  consternation  of  the  citi- 
zens, the  insolence  of  judicial  power,  and  the  timor- 
ous policy  of  the  legislature  of  Louisiana  ;  as  well 
as  against  the  most  powerful  land  and  naval  force, 
that  had,  for  forty  years,  menaced  any  one  place 
in  the  Republic.  He  had  also  to  contend  with  the 
prejudices,  the  favouritism,  and  the  perfidiousness 
of  foreigners,  a  vast  number  of  whom  had  migrated 
to  Louisiana  before  its  accession  to  the  Republic,  by 
Mr.  Monroe's  treaty. 

Although  the  Proclamation  of  Nicoll,  excites  in 
the  mind  of  an  intelligent  American  reader,  no 
feeling  but  that  of  ineffable  contempt ;  yet  with  the 
mixed  population  of  Louisiana,  its  effects  might  be 
essentially  differeut.  Although  amongst  that  po- 
pulation, were  many  native  Americans  of  distin- 
guished talents  and  patriotism,  it  is  without  a  doubt 
the  fact,  that  in  1814,  a  majority  of  its  inhabitants 
•were  of  foreign  extraction  ;  and  that  much  th^ 
16* 


tnost  numerous  class  of  foreigners  were  Frcnciu.iu,^ 
They  saw  the  same  formidable  power,  that  had  re- 
cently taken  the  lead  in  conquering  the  conqueror 
of  Europe,  driving  him  into  exile,  and  restoring 
Louis  XV HI*  to  (he  French  throne,  now  menacing 
Louisiana  with  a  force,  that  seemed  to  he  in- 
kle. Spaniard^  in  the  same  power,  recognized 
the  restorer  pi  md  VII.     Englishmen,  dared 

irtot  take  up  arms  against  their  own  eountrymenun- 
less  certain  of  victory,  Gen.  Jackson  wras  aware 
that  in  this  discordant  mass  of  people,  there  would 
be  many  who  would  not  only  neglect  to  repair  to 
the  American standard,  but  who  would"  give  aid  and 
enemy.     He  ~-  aware  (hat 

energetic  zjid  coercive  measures  to  detect  domestic 
traitors,  or  to  conquer  a  powerful  foe,  would  meet; 
with  resist  and  frequently 

unrestrained  spirit  of  liberty,  which  foreigners,  re- 
cently settled  in  the  Republic,  almost  invariably 
manifest.  But  it  was  in  vain  for  him  to  wish  for 
a  different  state  of  things,  or  to  pursue  a  course  of 
conduct  which  a  different  state  would  have  render- 
ed judicious  and  expedient.  He  was  compelled  to 
act  as  circumstances  dictated,  without  the  power 
of  changing  them.  Like  a  great  man  in  danger, 
described  by  a  great  poet,  with  elegance — "  Serene 
and  master  of  himself,  he  prepared  for  what  might 
come,  and  left  the  rest  to  heaven." 

Commander  in  chief  of  the  extensive  and   im- 
portant military  district  No.  19  he  knew  that  the 


ANDREW  JACKS  Off. 


(♦yes  and  the  hopes  of  the  American  people  v 
fixed  upon  him,  and  "  the  little  phalanx"  who  had 
followed  him  to  victory.  With  many  who  knew 
(he  peril  of  his  situation,  these  hopes  were  mingled 
with  despair  ;  but  despair  never  produced  its  para- 
lizing  effects  in  the  bosom  of  the  general.  In  Gov, 
Claiborne  of  Louisiana,  Gov.  Blount  of  Tennes- 
see, and  Gov.  Shelby  of  Kentucky,  he  felt  a  safe, 
a  certain  reliance,  as  he  knew  them  to  be  patriotic 
statesmen  of  the  first  water.  In  Gen.  Coffee  and 
Gen.  Carroll,  and  the  gallant  men  who  he  knew 
would  follow  him  to  victory  or  to  death,  he  could 
recognize  officers  and  soldiers  who  would  cheerfully 
unite  with  him  and  the  small  regular  force  he  had 
under  his  command,  at  New  Orleans.  From  Mis- 
sissippi, he  also  felt  the  strongest  assurance  that 
his  force  would  be  augmented  by  many  of  its  gallant 
soldiers,  who  had  followed  him  in  taking  ample  ven- 
geance upon  the  Creeks,  for  the  massacre  at  Ten- 
saw,  in  their  territory.  It  was  still,  however, 
wholly  uncertain  how  soon  an  effective  force, 
which  would  give  any  hopes  of  a  successful  de- 
fence of  the  place,  would  arrive.  His  first  reli- 
ance was  upon  the  Louisiana  militia,  upon  whom, 
from  circumstances  already  mentioned,  he  could 
place  the  least.  He  had  a  faithful  coadjutor  in  Gov. 
Claiborne  ;  and  from  Mr.  Edward  Livingston,  de- 
rived every  assistance  which  his  great  talents  and 
influence  enabled  him  to  afford.  Gen.  Jackson 
addressed  the  citizens  and  soldiers  of  Louisiana,  in 
the  following  impressive  manner  : — 


188  MEMOIRS  OF 

"  Natives  of  the  United  States!  the  enemy  you 
are  to  contend  with,  are  the  oppressors  of  your  in- 
fant political  existence — they  are  the  men  your 
fathers  fought  and  conquered,  whom  you  are  now 
to  oppose. 

Descendants  of  Frenchmen  !  natives  of  France  ! 
they  are  English,  the  hereditary,  the  eternal  ene- 
mies of  your  ancient  country,  the  invaders  of  that 
you  have  adopted,  who  are  your  foes.  Spaniards  ! 
remember  the  conduct  of  your  allies  at  St.  Sebas- 
tian, and  recently  at  Pensacola,  and  rejoice  that 
you  have  an  opportunity  of  avenging  the  brutal  in- 
juries inflicted  by  men  who  dishonour  the  human 
race.  Louisianians  !  your  general  rejoices  to  wit- 
ness the  spirit  that  animates  you,  not  only  for  your 
honour,  but  your  safety ;  for  whatever  had  been 
your  conduct  or  wishes,  his  duty  would  have  led, 
and  yet  will  lead  him,  to  confound  the  citizen,  un- 
mindful of  his  rights,  with  the  enemy  he  ceases  to 
oppose.  Commanding  men  who  know  their  rights,, 
arid  are  determined  to  defend  them,  he  salutes  you 
as  brethren  in  arms  ;  and  has  now  a  new  motive  to 
exert  all  his  faculties,  which  shall  be  strained  to 
the  utmost,  in  your  defence.  Continue  with  the 
energy  you  have  begun,  and  he  promises  you  not 
only  safety,  but  victory  over  an  insolent  foe,  who 
has  insulted  you  by  an  affected  doubt  of  your  at- 
tachment to  the  constitution  of  your  country.  Your 
enemy  is  near;  his  sars  already  cover  the  lakes  ; 
but  the  brave  are  united  \  and  if  he  find  us  eo?r 


AXDIIEW  JACKS  OK.  \\j(S 

rending  among  ourselves,  it  will  be  for  the  prize  of 
valour — and  fame,  its  noblest  reward." 

Considering  the  nature  of  the  people  and  of  the 
troops  he  had  to  address,  it  is  difficult  to  conceive 
©f  an  appeal  more  appropriate.  The  native  Ameri- 
cans are  pointed  to  Ci  the  oppressors  of  their  infant 
political  existence" — the  natives  of  France  to  the 
ft,  eternal  enemy  of  their  ancient  country — the  inva- 
ders of  the  one  they  had  adopted" — Spaniards  too, 
are  reminded  of  ,;  the  brutal  injuries  inflicted"  upon 
their  country,  "  uy  men  who  dishonour  the  human 
race."  It  was  argumentum  ad  hominum — an  ap- 
peal to  men;  which  is  generally  more  effectual  than 
arguments  deduced  from  principle*  But  excepting 
with  the  American  part  of  the  population;  it  had 
no  effe-:  t.  Indeed,  from  European  Spaniards  but 
little  exertion  could  be  expected  in  the  cau 
the  Republic,  when  they  shortly  expected  to  see 
the  country  they  inhabited  return  to  the  Spanish 
yoke  ;  and  the  Frenchmen  there,  who,  a  short  pe- 
riod before,  were  vociferating.  Vive  PEmpcrt.ur  ! 
were  now  sending  in  their  adhesions  to  Louis 
XVIII.  and  exclaiming,  Vive  le  jRoi  /—So  far  from 
volunteering,  they  refused  to  comply  with  the  mili- 
tary drafts  that  were  male. 

The  disaffection  of  the  few  is  easily  checked, 
who-  the  public  functionaries  discharge  the  neces- 
sary duties  devolved  upon  them  *y  but  so  far  v.  ere 
the  iegis'ative  and  judiciary  powers  of  the  stale,  from 
Qpalling  in  the  power  of  law,  to  check  the  growing 


193  MEMOIRS  OF 

discontent,  that  they  encouraged  it  by  conniving  at 
it.  Governour  Claiborne  did  every  thing  which  a 
patriotic  and  vigilant  executive  could  discharge  : 
but  a  majority  of  the  legislature,  nerveless,  tim- 
orous, and  desponding,  hung  upon  him  like  an  incu- 
bus, and  paralized  all  his  exertions.  In  regard  to 
this  house  of  assembly,  the  governour  might  have 
said,  u  mine  enemies  arc  those  of  my  own  house- 
hold." 

From  the  Police  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans, 
no  more  hopes  could  be  derived  than  from  the  ma- 
jority of  the  legislature  of  the  state  ;  and  some  of 
its  inhabitants  were  carrying  on  a  treacherous  in- 
tercourse with  the  enemy.  The  writer  would  not 
so  confidently  have  stated  the  facts  contained 
in  this  chapter,  unless  he  had  in  his  possession 
indubitable  evidence  of  their  accuracy.  From  the 
mass  of  testimony,  the  following  is  selected  from, 
the  correspondence  between  Gov.  Claiborne  and 
Gen.  Jackson.  In  one  letter  the  governour  says, 
M  On  a  late  occasion  I  had  the  mortification  to 
acknowledge  my  inability  to  meet  a  requisition 
from  Gen.  Flournoy  ;  the  corps  of  this  city  having, 
for  the  most. part,  resisted  my  orders,  being  encour- 
aged in  their  disobedience  by  the  legislature  of 
the  state,  then  in  session  ;  one  branch  of  which, 
the  senate,  having  declared  the  requisition  illegal 
and  oppressive,  and  the  house  of  representatives 
having  rejected  a  proposition  to  approve  the  mea- 
sure.    How  far  I    shall  be  supported  in    my    latf* 


A  J,  DUE  W   J  A  (J KS O A' .  1  9  i 

orders,  remains  yet  to  be  proved.  I  have  rea- 
son to  calculate  upon  the  patriotism  of  (lie  'interior 
and  western  counties.  I  know  a!so  that  there  are 
many  faithful  citizens  in  New-Orleans  ;  but  there 
are  others,  in  whose  attachment  to  the  United 
States  I  ought  not  to  confide.  Upon  the  whole. 
Sir,  I  cannot  disguise  the  fact,  that  if  Louisiana 
should  be  attacked,  we  must  principally  depend  for 
security  upon  the  prompt  movements  of  the  regular 
force  under  your  command,  and  the  militia  of  the 
western  states  and  territories.  At  this  moment  we 
are  in  a  very  unprepared  and  defenceless  condition ; 
several  important  points  of  defence  remain  unoccu- 
pied, and  in  case  of  a  sudden  attack,  this  capital 
would,  I  fear,  fall  an  easy  sacrifice." 

In  another  letter,  he  most  impressively  remarks- 
— "  Inclosed  you  have  copies  of  my  late  general  or- 
ders. They  may,  and  I  trust  will,  be  obeyed  ;  but 
to  this  moment,  my  fellow  citizens  have  not  mani- 
fested all  that  union  and  zeal,  the  crisis  demands* 
and  their  own  safety  requires.  There  is  in  this 
city  a  much  greater  spirit  of  disaffection,  than  1  had 
anticipated  ;  and  among  the  faithful  Louisianians, 
there  is  a  despondency  which  palsies  all  my  prepa- 
rations 5  they  see  no  strong  regular  force,  around 
which  they  could  rally  with  confidence,  arid  they 
seem  to  think  themselves  not  within  the  reach  of 
seasonable  assistance,  from  the  western  states.  I 
am  assured,  Sir,  you  will  make  the  most  judicious 
dispositon  of  the  forces  under  your  command  ;  but 


i&2  MEMOIRS    01 

excuse  me  for  suggesting,  that  the  presence  of  thr 
seventh  regiment,  at  or  near  New  Orleans,  will  have 
the  most  salutary  effect.  The  garrison  here  at  pre- 
sent, is  alarmingly  weak,  and  is  a  cause  of  much 
-regret :  from  the  great  mixture  of  persons,  and 
characters,  in  this  city,  we  have  as  much  to  appre- 
hend from  within,  as  from  without.  In  arresting 
the  iiitercoure  between  New  Orleans  and  Pensacoia. 
you  have  done  right.  Pensacoia  is  in  fact,  an  ene- 
my's post,  and  had  our  commercial  intercourse 
with  it  continued,  the  supplies  furnished  to  the 
enemy,  would  have  so  much  exhausted  our  own- 
stock  of  provisions,  as  to  have  occasioned  the  most  < 
serious  inconvenience  to  ourselves. 

I  was  on  the  point  of  taking  on  myself,  the  pro-  I 
hibition  of  the  trade  with  Pensacoia  :  I  had  prepa- 
red a  proclamation  to  that  effect,  and  would  hare 
issued  it  the  very  day  I  heard  of  your  interposition. 
Enemies  to  the  country  may  blame  you  for  your 
prompt  and  energetic  measures  ;  but,  in  the  person 
of  every  patriot  you  will  find  a  supporter.  1  am 
rery  confident  of  the  very  lax  police  of  this  city, 
and  indeed  throughout  the  state,  with  respect  to  the 
visits  of  strangers.  I  think  with  you,  that  our  coun- 
try is  filled  with  spies  and  traitors.  I  have  writter 
pressingly  on  the  subject,  to  the  city  authorities 
and  parishjjudges — i  hope  some  efficient  regulations 
will  speedily  be  adopted  by  the  first,  and  more  vi- 
gilance exerted  for  the  future,  by  the  latter." 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  193 

hi  a  third  letter,  the  governour  observes, — 
•;  The  only  difficulty  I  have  hitherto  experienced 
in  meeting  the  requisition,  has  been  in  this  city, 
and  exclusively  from  some  European  Frenchmen, 
who,  after  giving  their  adhesion  to  Louis  XV ill. 
have,  through  the  medium  of  the  French  consul, 
claimed  exemption  from  the  drafts,  as  French  s .in- 
jects. The  question  of  exemption,  however,  is 
now  under  discussion,  before  a  special  court  of  en- 
quiry, and  1  am  not  without  hopes,  that  these  un- 
grateful men,  may  yet  be  brought  to  a  discharge  of 
their  duties. 

You  have  been  informed  of  the  contents  of  an 
intercepted  letter,  written  by  Col.  Coliel,  a  Span- 
ish officer,  to  Capt.  Morales,  of  Pensacola.  This 
letter  was  submitted  for  the  opinion  of  the  attorney 
general  of  the  state,  as  to  the  measures  to  be  pursu- 
ed against  the  writer.  The  attorney  general  was 
of  opinion,  that  the  courts  could  take  no  cognizance 
of  the  same  ;  but  that  the  governour  might  order 
the  writer  to  leave  the  state,  and  in  case  of  refusal^ 
to  send  him  off  by  force.  I  accordingly,  Sir,  or- 
dered Col.  Coliel  to  take  his  departure,  in  forty- 
eight  hours,  for  Pensacola,  and  gave  him  the  ne- 
cessary passports.  I  hope  this  measure  may  meet 
your  approbation.  Jt  is  a  just  retaliation  for  the 
conduct  lately  observed  by  the  governour  of  Pen- 
sacola, and  may  induce  the  Spaniards  residing 
amo-  g  us,  to  be  less  communicative,    upon   those 

subjects  whicn  relate  to^our  military  movements." 

17 


MEMOIRS  OF 

In  another  letter,  this  patriotic  chief  magistrate 
says  to  Gen.  Jackson,  "  If  Louisiana  is  invaded,  I 
shall  put  myself  at  the  head  of  such  of  my  militia 
as  will  follow  me  to  the  field,  and  on  receiving,  shall 
obey  your  orders."  It  will  be  remembered  that 
the  venerable  Gov.  Shelby,  of  Kentucky,  served 
under  Maj.  Gen.  Harrison,  when  he  obtained  his 
signal  victory  over  Gen.  Proctor.  In  addition  to 
this  explicit  evidence,  furnished  by  Gov.  Claiborne, 
Charles  K.  Blanchard,  Esq.  writes  to  Gen.  Jackson 
thus — "  Quarter-master  Peddie  of  the  British  army, 
observed  [to  me]  that  the  commanding  officers  of 
the  British  forces,  were  daily  in  the  receipt  of 
every  information  from  the  cuyof  New  Orleans, 
which  they  might  require  in  aid  of  their  operations, 
for  the  completion  of  the  objects  of  the  expedi- 
tion ; — that  they  were  perfectly  acquainted  with  the 
situation  of  every  part  of  our  forces,  the  manner  in 
wrhich  the  same  was  situated,  the  number  of  our  forti- 
fications, their  strength,  position,  &c.  He  further- 
more stated,  that  the  above  information  was  re- 
ceived from  persons  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans, 
from  whom  he  could  at  any  hour,  procure  every  in- 
formation necessary  to  promote  his  majesty's  in- 
terest ! !" 

I  have  been  thus  particular  in  describing  the 
situation  in  which  Gen.  Jackson  found  the  citizens 
of  Louisiana,  its  legislature,  and  its  capital,  upon  his 
arrival  there  early  in  December,  1814,  because  it 
induced,  and  indeed  compiled  him  to  resort  to  a 


ANDREW   JACKSON.  [95 

measure,  which  had  never  before  been  resorted  to 
in  the  Republic,  since  the  adoption  of  the  Constitu- 
tion  THE   DECLARATION    OF    MARTIAL     LAW.       This 

took  place  upon  the  1 6th  of  the  month,  twenty-three 
days  before  the  splendid  victory,  which  secured  the 
city  of  New  Orleans  and  the  states  bordering  upon 
the  Mississippi,  from  the  rapacity  of  an  enemy 
whose  principles  of  warfare  had  been  demonstrated, 
upon  the  western  frontier,  at  Havre  de  Grace,  at 
.Hampton,  and  at  Washington  ! 

The  proceedings  of  the  legislature  were  suspend- 
ed. But  let  the  majority  of  the  members,  who 
then  constitutedjt,  remember,  that  the  suspension 
of  their  civil  power,  was  occasioned  by  their  resis- 
tance of  a  legal  military  powrer.  Gen.  Jackson 
had  been  too  long  in  the  discharge  of  the  highest 
civil  functions,  not  to  acknowledge  the  superiority 
of  the  civil,  over  the  military  power.  He  had  been 
too  long  in  military  life,  to  be  ignorant  of  the 
duties  of  an  American  General,  to  whom  was  com- 
mitted the  defence  of  a  district,  the  safety  of  which 
was  paramount  to  every  other  consideration. 

The  citizens  of  New  Orleans,  and  its  environs, 
were,  for  a  fewr  days  deprived  of  their  accustomed 
privileges.  But  the  patriotic  part  of  them,  endu- 
red the  deprivation  with  pleasure,  since  it  prohi- 
bited the  perfidious  and  traitorous  part  of  them, 
from  holding  an  intercourse  with  the  enemy,  calcu- 
lated to  aid  them  in  the  subjugation  of  if. 


196  MEMOIRS  OF 

Gen,  Jackson  had  been  incessantly  engaged, 
since  his  arrival,  in  selecting  the  most  commanding 
scites  for  fortifications,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi. Fort  St.  Phillips,  was  selected  as  the  most 
eligible  one,  andMaj.  W.  H.  Overton  was  appointed 
to  the  command  of  it.  His  gallant  defence  of  it, 
will  constitute  a  subsequent  article  in  these  me- 
moirs. The  naval  force  near  New  Orleans,  con- 
sisted of  small  gun  vessels,  under  the  command  of 
Capt.  Patterson.  The  gallantry,  not  to  say  des- 
peration, with  which  they  were  defended,  more 
properly  belongs  to  the  naval  chronicle  than  to  this 
work. 

From  the  16th,  to  the  22d  December,  the  gen- 
eral, by  his  animation,  vigilance,  and  exertions, 
-eerned  to  magnify  his  little  phalanx  into  a  host, 
and  to  dissipate  the  despondency  that  pervaded  the 
citizens,  by  the  confidence  his  presence  excited. 
Upon  the  last  mentioned  day,  the  reinforcements 
from  Tennessee,  under  Generals  Carroll  and  Coffee 
had  arrived.  Those  under  Gen.  Coffee,  were,  the 
most  of  them,  the  same  men  who  had  encamped  at 
Fort  St.  Stephens,  two  months  previous,  and  who 
were  present  at  the  capture  of  Pensacola,  upon  the 
7th  November.  From  the  time  they  left  Tennes- 
see, to  the  time  they  encamped  at  New  Orleans, 
(hey  had  marched  over  800  miles !  The  troops 
under  the  command  of  Gen.  Carroll,  were  those 
recently  raised  by  order  of  Gov.   Blount,  and  but 


AXDREW  JACKSON.  197 

lew  of  them  had  seen  any  service.  They  had  sud- 
denly repaired  to  their  rendezvous  at  home  ;  im- 
mediately entered  the  water  craft  in  the  Mississippi, 
and  had  no  opportunity  to  study  even  the  first 
principles  of  military  tactics,  before  they  were 
called  to  face  a  veteran  foe,  whose  prowess  was 
acknowledged  through  the  world.  The  Mississippi 
Dragoons  had  also  arrived,  under  the  command  of 
their  accomplished  leader,  Maj.  Hinds  ;  and  this 
heterogenous  mass  of  citizen- soldiers,  was  convert- 
ed, as  by  magic,  into  an  army,  whose  achievements 
under  their  great  leader,  Gen.  Jackson,  will  now 
be  detailed.  At  this  period,  the  Kentucky  troops, 
raised  by  order  of  Gov.  Shelby,  and  commanded  by 
Maj.  Gen.  Thomas, had  not  arrived  at  New  Orleans , 
Previous  to  the  23d,  the  gun  vessels  had  been 
captured  by  the  enemy,  with  an  overwhelming  force, 
after  a  defence  by  Lieut.  Thos.  Ap.  Catesby  Jones, 
which  u  reflects  additional  splendour  on  our  naval 
glory,  and  diminishes  the  regret  felt  by  their 
loss."* 

Upon  the  23d,  Maj.  Gen.  Kecnc  landed  nine 
miles  below  New.Orleans,  with  3000  men,  enured  to 
arms,  and  Gen.  Jackson,  with  less  than  half  that 
number  of  men,  mostly  militia,  immediately  march- 
ed to  give  him  battle.  His  account  of  the  con- 
test follows. 

V;  Vide  Capt.  Patterson's,  and  Lieut.  Jones1  official  report? 

IT* 


198  MEMOIRS  OF 

Maj.  Gen.JACKSON  to  Hon.JAMES  MONROE. 

(amp,  below  New  Orleans,  Dec.  27.  1814. 
Sir — The  loss  of  our  gun  boats  near  the  pass  of 
the  Rigolets,  having  given  the  enemy  command  of 
lake  Borgne,  he  was  enabled  to  choose  his  point  of 
attack.  It  became  therefore  an  object  of  impor- 
tance, to  obstruct  the  numerous  bayous  and  canals, 
leading  from  that  lake  to  the  highlands  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi. This  important  service  was  committed, 
in  the  first  instance,  to  a  detachment  of  the  7th  re- 
giment, afterwards  to  Col.  De  Laronde,  of  the 
Louisiana  militia,  and  lastly,  to  make  all  sure,  to 
Maj.  Gen.  Villere,  commanding  the  district  be- 
tween the  river  and  the  lakes,  and  who,  being  a 
native  of  the  country,  was  presumed  to  be  best  ac- 
quainted with  all  those  passes.  Unfortunately, 
however,  a  picquet  which  the  general  had  estab- 
lished at  the  mouth  of  the  bayou  Bienvenu,  and 
which,  notwithstanding  my  orders,  had  been  left 
unobstructed,  was  completely  surprised,  and  the 
enemy  penetrated  through  a  canal  leading  to  his 
farm,  about  two  leagues  below  the  city,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  cutting  off  a  company  of  militia  station- 
ed there.  This  intelligence  was  communicated  to 
me  about  12  o'clock  of  the  23d.  My  force  at  this 
time,  consisted  of  parts  of  the  7th  and  44th  regi- 
ments, not  exceeding  six  hundred  together,  the  city 
militia,  a  part  of  Gen.  Coffee^  brigade  of  mount- 
ed gunmen,  and  the  detached  militia  from  the  wes- 
tern division  of  Tennessee,  under  the   command  of 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  100 

Maj.  Gen.  Carroll,  These  two  last  corps  were  sta- 
tioned 4  miles  above  the  city.  Apprehending  a 
double  attack  by  the  way  of  Chef-Menteur,  1  left 
Gen.  Carroll's  force  and  the  militia  of  the  city,  post- 
ed on  the  Gentilly  road  ;  and  at  five  o'clock  P.  M. 
marched  to  meet  the  enemy,  whom  I  was  resolv  ed 
to  attack  in  his  first  position,  with  Maj.  Hind's  dra- 
goons, Gen.  Coffee's  brigade,  parts  of  the  7th  and 
44th  regiments,  the  uniformed  companies  of  mili- 
tia, under  the  command  of  Maj.  Planche,  200  men 
of  colour,  chiefly  from  St.  Domingo,  raised  by  Col. 
Savary,  and  acting  under  the  command  of  Maj. 
Dagwin,  and  a  detachment  of  artillery  under  the 
direction  of  Col.  M'Rhea,  with  two  6  pounders, 
under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Spotts  ;  not  exceed- 
ing in  all,  1500.  I  arrived  near  the  enemy's  en- 
campment about  seven,  and  immediately  made  my 
dispositions  for  the  attack.  His  forces  amounting 
at  that  time  on  land,  to  about  3000,  extended  half  a 
mile  on  that  river,  and  in  the  rear  nearly  to  the 
wood.  Gen.  Coffee  was  ordered  to  turn  their 
right,  while  with  the  residue  of  the  force,  I  attack- 
ed his  strongest  position  on  the  left,  near  the  river. 
Com.  Patterson,  having  dropped  down  the  river  in 
the  schooner  Caroline,  was  directed  to  open  a  fire 
upon  their  camp,  which  he  executed  at  about  halt 
past  seven.  This  being  a  signal  of  attack,  Gen.  Cof- 
fee's men,  with  their  usual  impetuosity,  rushed  on 
the  enemy's  right,  and  entered  their  camp,  while 
our  right  advanced  with  equal  ardour.     There  can 


200  MEMOIRS  OF 

be  but  little  doubt,  that  we  should  have  succeeded 
on  that  occasion,  with  our  inferiour  force,  in  destroy- 
ing or  capturing  the  enemy,  had  not  a  thick  fog 
which  arose  about  8  o'clock,  occasioned  some  con- 
fusion among  the  different  corps.  Fearing  the 
consequence,  under  this  circumstance,  of  the  fur- 
ther prosecution  of  a  night  attack,  with  troops  then 
acting  together  for  the  first  time,  I  contented  my- 
self with  lying  on  the  field  that  night ;  and  at  four 
in  the  morning  assumed  a  stronger  position,  about 
two  miles  nearer  the  city.  At  this  position  I  re- 
mained encamped,  waiting  the  arrival  of  the^fcen- 
tucky  militia  and  other  reinforcements.  As  the 
safety  of  the  city  will  depend  on  the  fate  of  this  ar- 
my, it  must  not  be  incautiously  exposed. 

In  this  affair  the  whole  corps  under  my  command, 
deserve  the  greatest  credit.  The  best  compliment 
1  can  pay  to  Gen.  Coffee  and  his  brigade,  is  to  say, 
they  behaved  as  they  have  always  done,  while  un- 
der my  command.  The  7th  led  by  Maj.  Pierre, 
a  id  44th,  commanded  by  Col.  Ross,  distinguished 
themselves.  The  battalion  of  city  militia  com- 
manded by  Maj.  Planche,  realized  my  anticipations, 
and  behaved  like  veterans.  Savary's  volunteers' 
manifested  great  bravery  :  and  the  company  of 
city  riflemen,  having  penetrated  into  the  midst  of 
the  enemy's  camp,  were  surrounded,  and  fought 
their  way  out  with  the  greatest  heroism,  bringing 
with  them  a  number  of  prisoners.  The  two  field 
pieces  were  well  served  by  the  officers  command- 
ipg  them. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  201 

All  my  officers  in  the  line  did  their  duty,  and  I 
have  e\  ery  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  the  whole  of 
my  field  and  stafT.  Cols.  Butler  and  Piatt,  and 
Maj.  Chotard.  by  their  intrepidity,  saved  the  artil- 
'  lery.  Col.  Haynes  was  every  where  that  duty  or 
danger  called.  I  was  deprived  of  the  services  of 
one  of  my  aids,  Cap t.  Butler,  whom  I  was  obliged 
to  station,  to  his  great  regret,  in  town.  Capt. 
Reid,  my  other  aid,  and  Messrs.  Livingston,  Dupiis- 
sis,  and  Davizac,who  had  volunteered  theirservices, 
faced  danger  wherever  it  was  to  be  met,  and  carri- 
.  ed  my  orders  with  the  utmost  promptitude. 

We  made  one  major,  two  subalterns,  and  sixty- 
three  privates  prisoners  ;  and  the  enemy's  loss   in 

killed  and  wounded  must  have  been  at  least . 

My  own  loss  I  have  not  as  yet  been  able  to  ascer- 
tain with  exactness,  but  suppose  it  to  amount  to 
100  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing.  Among  the 
•former  I  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  Col.  Lauderdale, 
of  Gen.  Coffee's  brigade,  who  fell  while  bravely 
fighting.  Cols.  Dyer  and  Gibson  of  the  same  corps, 
were  wounded,  and  Maj.  Kavenaugh  taken  pris- 
oner. 

Col.  De  Laronde,  Maj.  Villere,  of  the  Louisiana 
militia,  Maj.  Latour,  of  engineers,  having  no  com- 
mand, volunteered  their  services,  as  did  Drs.  Ken 
and  Hood,  and  were  of  great  assistance  to  me. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  6cc . 

ANDREW  JACKSON^ 

Hon,  James  Monroe,  Secretarv  of  War. 


202  MEMOIRS  OF 

Since  the  civilized  world  have  made  the  trade 
of  war  a  science,  perhaps  no  two  armies  ever  met 
and  separated,  with  opinions  so  different  of  each,  as 
those  of  Gen.  Jackson  and  Gen.  Keene,  on  the  23d. 
The  first,  consisting  of  a  small  number  of  regular 
troops,  and  the  rest  of  gentlemen  and  yeomen,  who 
had  spent  their  days  amidst  the  scenes  of  peace, 
the  whole  amounting  only  to  1500,  must  have  met 
a  veteran  army  of  3000,  in  field  fight,  with  forebo- 
dings, bordering  upon  despair.  The  second,  con- 
scious of  great  superiority  in  numbers,  in  disci- 
pline, and  in  experience,  marched  to  the  contest 
with  contempt  for  their  enemy,  and  a  certainty  of 
making  them  their  prey.  The  battle  gave  to  the 
first,  confidence — to  the  second,  it  taught,  caution. 

As  the  general,  in  his  official  report,  does  not 
mention  the  number  the  enemy  lost,  I  extract  from 
Insp.  Gen.  Hayne's  report,  "Killed,  left  on  the 
field  of  battle,  100 — Wounded,  left  on  the  field  of 
battle,  230— Prisoners,  70— total,  400/'  The  loss 
in  the  American  forces,  were — Killed,  24 — Wound- 
ed, 115 — missing,  74 — total,  213. 


ANDREW  JACKSON* 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Benevolent  exertions  of  the  Ladies  of  New  Orleans — 
Gen.  Jackson  selects  the  final  position  of  his  army — 
Loss  of  the  naval  force — Capt.  Patterson— L'eut. 
Jones — Harmony  between  land  and  navai  forces — • 
Defence  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi — American 
Jines  on  the  east  and  west  side  of  the  river  de- 
scribed-Battle of  the  28th  December — of  the  1st 
January — Attempt  upon  the  left  wing  of  the  Ameri- 
can army. 

THE  battle  of  the  23d  December,  although  by 
no  means  a  decisive  one,  produced  those  effects 
which  led  to  ultimate  victory.  The  despondency 
of  the  citizens  was  converted  into  hope,  and  the 
undisciplined  troops  of  the  Republic,  presented  "  a 
rampart  of  high  minded  and  brave  men" 

From  the  romantic  age  of  chivalry,  to  this  period 
of  the  world,  the  defence  of  the  fair  sex  has  been  the 
pride  of  the  warrior,  and  their  approving  sentence, 
one  of  his  highest  rewards.  The  ladies. of  New  Or- 
leans, not  content  merely  to  bestow  their  applause 
and  their  smiles  upon  their  defenders,  exerted  all 
their  faculties  to  ameliorate  the  hardships  they  en- 
dured, and  to  relieve  them  from  the  privations 
they  suffered.  Clothing  of  a  necessary  kind,  was 
furnished  to  a  large  amount,  for  the  troops,  who, 
from  long  service  and  absence  from  home,  found  it 
a  most  seasonable  supply.  Almost  constant  ex- 
'  posure  to  the  inclemency  of  the  season,  rendered 


£04  MEMOIRS    OF 

an  additional  supply  of  clothing,  a  comfort  to  the 
war-worn  veteran,  which  he  knows  well  how  to  ap- 
preciate. Imitating  the  exalted  benevolence  of 
the  American  matrons  and  daughters,  in  the  gloomy 
period  of  the  revolution,  the  females  of  the  city 
became  ministering  angels  to  the  wants  of  their 
heroic  protectors.  The  historian  will  immediately 
recollect,  that  the  women  of  ancient  Carthage,  in 
a  time  of  danger,  divested  themselves  of  their  flow- 
ing locks,  and  converted  them  into  cordage  to  aid 
the  common  defence.  While  the  achievements  of 
female  Amazons,  rather  excite  disgust  than  ap- 
plause, the  refined  benevolence  of  the  tender  sex, 
commands  the  admiration  of  men  ;  and  even  an- 
gels must  witness  it  with  the  smile  of  complacency. 
Notwithstanding  the  rigorous  execution  of  mar- 
tial law,  over  citizens  as  well  as  soldiers,  the  sullen 
murmurs  of  the  disaffected  were  drowned  by  the 
applause  of  the  patriotic.  All  was  animation  in 
the  camp — all  was  confidence  in  the  city.  Gen. 
Jackson,  was  in  daily,  indeed  in  hourly  expectation, 
of  a  renewed  attack  from  the  enemy.  Although 
the  American  troops  remained  upon  the  field  of 
battle  until  the  24th,  yet  the  disadvantages  of  the 
situation,  and  the  continuance  of  the  enemy  in 
their  first  position  where  they  landed,  with  nearly 
treble  his  force,  induced  him  to  fall  back  nearer 
to  the  city.  Offensive  operations,  under  these 
circumstances,  wrould  have  been  rashness  border- 
ing upon  desperation. 


ASDRfiW  JAC&SON.  205 

Although  from  the  gallant  achievements  of  his 
troops  upon  the  23d,  Gen.  Jackson  had  every 
thing  to  hope  from  them,  jet  he  did  not,  as  has 
often  been  the  case  in  modern  warfare,  consider 
men  as  ammunition,  to  be  expended  at  pleasure, 
to  grace  the  commander  with  laurels.  His  lan- 
guage to  Mr.  Monroe  was — "  As  the  safety  of  this 
city,  will  depend  on  the  fate  of  this  army,  it  must  not 
be  incautiously  exposed."  He  selected  the  most 
advantageous  position,  upon  the  east  bank  of  the 
Mississippi,  and  commenced  a  system  of  defence, 
which  wi!!  forever  give  him  an  exalted  rank  among 
the  great  commanders  of  the  nineteenth  century. 
Although,  to  use  his  own  expressions,  for  which 
our  copious  language  can  with  difficulty  furnish  a 
substitute — "  The  surest  defence,  that  seldom  fails 
of  success,  is  a  rampart  of  high-minded  and  brave 
men" — he  acted  in  every  situation,  as  if  he  was 
accountable  to  his  country  and  his  God,  for  the 
life  of  every  man  that  was  lost,  who  fought  under 
his  standard. 

After  the  lo§s  of  the  small  flotilla  under  Lieut. 
Jones,  there  was  no  naval  defence  but  the  schooner 
Caroline,  and  she  was  placed  in  a  situation,  which, 
owing  to  the  current  of  Ihe  Mississippi,  and  the 
course  of  the  winds,  rendered  her  an  easy  prey 
to  the  enemy.  Her  gallant  cr'ew,  however,  de- 
fended her  until  the  red  hot  balls  thrown  fronft  the 
enemy's  battery,  set  her  on  fire  and  blew  her  up, 
upon  the  27th.  Capt.  Patterson  and  all  his  offi- 
18 


206  MEMOIRS   OF 

cers  and  men,  immediately  placed  themselves  u]> 
der  the  command  of  Gen.  Jackson,  and  by  their 
consummate  skill  in  gunnery,  rendered  most  essen- 
tial service  in  the  land  batteries.  I  cannot  omit  a 
brief  extract  from  Capt.  Patterson's  letter  to  the 
navy  department,  dated  27th  Jan.  1815. — "  I  have 
received  from  all  the  officers  whom  I  have  the  hon- 
our to  command,  every  aid  and  support  which  could 
possibly  be  rendered.  They  have  been  exposed 
to  extraordinary  hardships,  both  by  day  and  night, 
to  all  the  changes  of  this  unstable  clime,  in  this 
inclement  season  of  the  year  ;  performing  the  most 
arduous  duties  on  shore,  out  of  the  line  of  their 
profession,  independent  of  their  ordinary  duties  ; 
and  all  has  been  done  and  executed,  with  a  cheer- 
fulness arid  alacrity  that  reflects  upon  them  the 
highest  credit  ;  and  that  the  unwearied  exertions  of 
the  small  naval  force  on  this  station,  from  the  first 
appearance  of  the  enemy,  has  contributed,  in  a 
great  degree,  to  his  expulsion,  is  freely  acknow- 
ledged by  the  gallant  general,  commanding  the  land 
forces."  The  officers  mentioned  in  this  letter,  are 
Capt.  Henley,  Lieuts.  Alexis,  Thompson,  Norris^ 
and  Cunningham;  Mr.  Purser  Shields,  Dr.  Morrell,  ■ 
sailing-master  Dealy,  surgeon  Heerman,  navy-agent  j 
Smith,  Maj.  Cormick,  commanding  the  marine 
corps,  Mr.  Shephard,  aid-de-camp,  Lieut.  Nevitt, 
volunteer;  acting  Lieuts.  Speddin  and  M'Keever. 
He  further  says — "my  petty  officers,  seamen,  and 
marines,  performed  their  duties  to  my  entire  satis- 
faction." 


ANDREW  JACKSOX.  207 

It  has  already  been  mentioned  that  the  gun  boats, 
commanded  by  Lieut.  Jones,  were  captured  upon 
the  14th,  and  the  commander  severely  wounded. 
His  force  was,  Gun  Boats,  Nos.  5,  23,  156,  162,  and 
163 — the  whole  mounting  23  guns,  and  having  183 
men  on  board.  The  British  force  that  attacked 
this  little  gallant  flotilla,  consisted  of  45  boats — 
42  guns,  and  1200  men,  commanded  by  Capt.Lock- 
yer,  whose  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  exceeded 
300  men  ;  and  he  received  three  severe  wounds 
himself.  Upon  Lieut.  Jones,  Capt.  Patterson  be- 
stows the  highest  applause  ;  and  most  deservedly 
too  ;  for  considering  the  species  of  force  he  had 
under  his  command,  and  the  immense  superiority 
of  the  enemy,  his  gallantry  is  scarcely  exceeded  by 
any  officer  in  our  navy. 

It  ought  to  be  mentioned,  whenever  an  opportu- 
nity occurs,  as  a  fact  which  entitles  the  commanders 
of  the  land  and  naval  forces  of  the  Republic,  to  in- 
finite credit,  that  in  every  instance,  excepting  one? 
where  they  could  act  in  conjunction  in  conquering 
the  enemy,  the  utmost  harmony  prevailed.  Gen. 
Harrison  and  Capt.  Perry — Gen.  Macomb  and 
Capt.  Macdonough — Gen.  Jackson  and  Capt.  Pat- 
terson, went  hand  in  hand  to  victory.  Although 
in  the  last  instance,  cae  captain  was  compelled  to 
leave  his  chosen  element,  with  his  gallant  crews 
he  joined  the  army,  and   aided  in  the  final  victory. 

The  various  passes  at  the  mouth  of  the  Missis- 
sippi were  guarded  iu  tha  best  possible  manner,  by 


208  MEMOIRS  OP 

different  forts  ;  and  considering  the  short  time  al- 
lowed to  construct  them,   and  the  few  men  only, 
who    could  be  spared  to  garrison  them,  their  de- 
fences entitle  the  garrisons  to  the  highest  applause. 
Maj.   Overton,  at    Fort  St,    Phillips,    determining 
never  to   surrender,  actually  nailed  the  American 
g  to  his  standard,   and  resolved    that  it   should 
triumphantly  wave  over  that  of  Britain,  as  long  as 
a  living   man   remained  in  the    fort  to   defend  it. 
The  troops  at  the   mouths  of  the  river,   were  as 
muell  inspired  with  fortitude  by  the   addresses  and 
inples  of  Gen.  Jackson,  as  those  under  his  imme- 
e  command,     Having  these  forts,  as  well  as  the 
rent  of  the  Mississippi    to   oppose,  the  British 
admiral  was  prevented  from   bringing  any    of  his 
larger  vessels,  to  co-op'erate  with  the  land  forces,  in 
their  various    attacks   upon   the    American    lines. 
Had  he  been  enabled  to  effect  this,  it  is  difficult  to 
conceive  how  the  city  could  have  been  saved. 

Upon  the  24th,  Gen.  Jackson  took  his  final  po- 
sition. It  extended  in  a  direct  line  from  the  east 
bank  of  the  Mississippi,  into  the  edge  of  the  Cy- 
press Swamp,  a  distance  exceeding  a  mile.  For 
the  whole  distance,  the  troops  almost  incessantly 
.laboured,  and  with  a  vigour  worthy  of  the  cause 
ihat  called  forth  their  laborious  exertions,  in  throw- 
ing  up  a  strong  breast-work,  under  the  protection 
of  which  they  were  to  be  intrenched.  From  the 
bank  of  the  river  to  the  edge  of  the  Cypress  Swamp, 
a  distance  of  very  near  a  mile,  the  country  was 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  208 

a  perfect  plain.  The  small  force  under  Gen.  Jack- 
son, were  in  full  view  of  the  vastly  superiour 
force  in  the  British  camp.  Although  they  had 
received  a  check  in  the  brilliant  affair  of  the  23d, 
it  would  seem  to  be  the  result  of  infatuation  itself, 
that  they  remained  unmoved  spectators  of  the 
measures  of  defence,  the  American  commander 
was  taking,  which,  if  prosecuted  to  completion, 
would  render  them  hopeless  of  success.  It  is 
hazardous  judging  from  appearances,  without  a 
knowledge  of  motives  ;  but  the  conduct  of  the 
British  army,  at  this  time,  would  seem  to  justify  the 
application  to  them,  of  a  position  maintained  for 
ages — "  Quern  Dens  perdere  vult,  prius  dement ■«/" — 
(whom  God  wills  to  destroy,  he  first  makes  mad.) 
Adjoining  the  river,  and  in  advance  of  the  main 
work,  a  redoubt  was  formed  to  protect  the  right 
wing  of  the  army,  upon  which  were  mounted  a 
number  of  pieces  of  heavy  artillery.  Through  the 
whole  line  were  mounted,  at  proper  distances,  can- 
non from  six  to  thirty-two-pounders.  The  breast- 
work was  extended  from  450  to  500  yards  into  the 
swamp,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  turning  the  left 
wing  of  the  army.  This  part  of  the  intrenchment. 
was  constructed  with  extreme  difficulty,  and  with 
excessive  fatigue  ;  being  erected  in  a  morass,  almost 
impassable  from  the  depth  of  the  mud  and  water. 
It  was  wisely  supposed  that  the  British  commander 
would  conclude  that  the  American  intrenchment 

reached  only  to  the  edge  of  the  swamp  ;  and  thai 
18* 


210  memoirs  or 

he  would  endeavour  to  force  a  passage  through  \t7 
and  gain  the  rear  of  the  American  army.  At  the 
immediate  edge  of  the  swamp,  an  angular  indent 
was  made  in  the  intrenchment,  upon  which  heavy 
pieces  of  artillery  were  placed,  so  as  to  rake  the 
enemy  in  the  swamp,  from  one  side  of  it,  and  in  the 
open  field,  from  the  other.  Every  hour's  labour 
increased  the  strength  of  the  intrenchment,  and 
every  event  that  transpired,  augmented  the  confi- 
dence of  the  troops.  Notwithstanding  the  rapidly 
increasing  security  of  his  small,  and  to  a  very  con- 
siderable amount,  unarmed  troops,  Gen.  Jackson 
endeavoured  to  provide  against  every  event,  that 
could  endanger  their  safety,  or  that  of  the  city. 
Admitting  the  possibility  that  the  British  army, 
from  their  great  superiority  in  numbers,  and  from 
the  numerous  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance  they  were 
constantly  transporting  in  barges,  from  their  ship- 
ping to  their  encampment,  might  force  his  lines7 
he  dispatched  the  whole  of  his  unarmed  men  two 
miles  in  his  rear,  to  erect  another  breast-work,  as  a 
rallying  point,  at  no  great  distance  from  the  city. 
In  this  way,  he  furnished  constant  employ  for  all  his 
men,  prevented  their  despondency,  and  aroused 
their  courage. 

Gen.  Jackson  was  aware  that  the  enemy's  main 
urmy  had  not  yet.  (Dec.  24,)  landed,  and  wholly 
uncertain  where  they  would  make  a  descent,  he 
took  the  same  measures  to  fortify  the  country  on 
ihe  west,  or  risfht  bank  of  the  river,  as  he  had 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  2  1  1 

upon  the  east,  or  left  tank.  An  intrenchment  was 
there  thrown  up  from  the  bank  of  the  river,  ex- 
tending west  to  a  swamp,  which  approaches  nearer 
to  the  river  than  that  upon  the  east  side.  Gov. 
Claiborne  and  the  Louisiana  militia,  being  more 
perfectly  acquainted  with  the  country,  were  sta- 
tioned on  the  right  bank  of  the  river.  The  gallant 
Capt.  Patterson  and  his  crew,  had  erected  a  batte- 
ry near  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  to  the  main  in- 
trenchment. This  intrenchment  was  about  three 
quarters  of  amile  below  that  on  the  left  bank;  and  be- 
ing supported  by  Patterson's  battery,  and  his  crew, 
whose  skill  in  gunnery  was  evinced  in  the  battle 
of  the  23d,  it  was  supposed  as  capable  of  sustaining 
and  repelling  an  assault,  as  that  on  the  left.  The 
command  of  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  was  en- 
trusted to  Gen.  Morgan,  and  a  force  placed  under 
his  command  sufficient  to  render  it  as  secure  as 
the  left. 

The  description  of  the  situation  of  the  Ameri- 
can forces  after  the  23d,  and  the  measures  then 
resorted  to  for  future  safety,  may  be  deemed  too 
minute  ;  but  it  will  shortly  be  shewn  that  more 
than  two  thirds  of  the  loss  sustained  by  the  Repub- 
lican army,  in  all  the  severe  engagements  before 
New  Orleans,  was  suffered  in  that  engagement,  in 
the  open  field.  Had  Gen.  Jackson,  like  a  rash  com- 
mander, led  his  few  undisciplined,  and  badly  armed 
forces,  to  field fight,  against  the  immensely  superi- 
our  force  of  Sir  Edward  Pakenham,  furnished  with 


212  MEMOIRS    OF 

every  material  and  munition  of  war,  it  is  almost  a 
certainty,  that  he  and  his  army,  would  have  been 
prostrated  upon  the  same  plain  where  that  gallant 
general,  and  so  many  of  his  veteran  troops,  were 
mingled  with  the  dust.  The  great  and  good  Gen. 
Jackson,  knew  that  the  men  he  commanded,  were 
not  mercenary  troops,  hired  by  a  sanguinary  mon- 
arch, to  fight  and  to  die  at  the  pleasure  of  an  ambi- 
tious commander.  His  army,  though  small,  con- 
tained the  best  blood  in  the  adjoining  states. 
Fathers  were  there,  exposing  their  lives  for  their 
families,  and  sons  were  there,  fighting  for  their 
fathers.  To  return  them  home  to  a  country  de- 
fended by  their  valour,  and  to  restore  them  to 
blessings  secured  by  their  toils,  was  far  more  grate- 
ful to  his  heart,  than  laurels  obtained  by  their 
blood,  to  decorate  his  brows. 

From  the  24th  to  the  28th,  the  two  armies  re- 
mained in  the  position  each  had  taken.  Excepting 
the  destruction  of  the  schooner  Caroline,  and 
occasional  skirmishing,  nothing  was  heard  but 
:i  dreadful  notes  of  preparation."  Having  blown 
up  this  vessel,  which  committed  such  ravages 
among  their  troops  upon  the  23d,  and  having  been 
reinforced,  Sir  Edward  Pakenham,  in  person,  at- 
tacked the  American  lines  upon  the  28th.  The 
commander  thus  describes  this  engagement,  in  hi- 
report  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 


ASDREW JACKSON.  213 

Gen.  JACKSON  to  Hon.  JAMES  MONROE. 

Head  Quarters,  7th  military  district.  ) 
Camp  below  New  Orleans,  29th  Dec.  1814.  ) 

Sir — The  enemy  succeeded  on  the  27th,  in  blow- 
ing up  the  Caroline,  (she  being  becalmed)  by  means 
x>f  hot  shot  from  a  land  battery  which  he  had  erect- 
ed  in  the  night.  Emboldened  by  this  event,  he 
inarched  his  whole  force  the  next  day,  up  the  level, 
in  the  hope  of  driving  us  from  our  position,  and 
with  this  view$  opened  upon  us,  at  the  distance  of 
about  half  a  mile,  his  bombs  and  rockets.  He  was 
repulsed,  however,  with  considerable  loss— not  Jess, 
it  is  believed,  than  120  in  killed.  Qur*s  was  incon- 
siderable— not  exceeding  half  a  dozen  in  killed, 
and  a  dozen  wounded. 

Since  then,  he  "has  not  ventured  to  repeat  his  at- 
tempt, though  lying  close  together.  There  has 
been  frequent  skirmiittng  between  our  picquets. 

1  lament  that  I  have  not  the  means  of  carrying 
on  more  offensive  operations.  The  Kentucky 
troops  have  not  arrived,  and  my  effective  force,  at 
this  point,  does  not  exceed  3000.  Their9 $  must  be 
at  least  double — both  prisoners  and  deserters  agree- 
ing in  the  statement,  that  7000  landed  from  their 
boats. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

In  this  brief  account,  it  is  mentioned  that  rockets 
and  bombs  were  sent  from  the  British  army  into  t he- 
American  lines.     Bombs   have   long  been   know}* 


214  MEMOIRS  OF 

to  our  countrymen  ;  and  although  they  sometimes 
occasion  accidents,  they  never  excite  terrour. 
Rockets  are  of  recent  invention  ;  and  the  glory  of 
having  invented  them  is  forever  secured  by  royal 
favour,  to  an  English  statesman,  by  the  name  of 
Cong  rev  em  They  are  called  "  Congreve  rockets  ;" 
and  as  long  as  Englishmen  are  permitted  to  spread 
havock  and  devastation  through  the  world,  the 
name  of  the  humane  inventor,  will  sound  and  shine 
through  it.  Monsieur  Guilloiin  is  entitled  to  the 
same  kind  of  glory,  for  having  invented  an  imple- 
ment of  death,  which  bears  his  name,  and,  to  which 
he  fell  a  victim  himself,  Mr.  Congreve  may  die  a 
natural  death.  Gen.  Jackson-s  intrenchment  had 
already  acquired  too  much  strength,  and  his  "  ram- 
part of  high  minded  and  brave  men,"  too  much  con- 
fidence to  Lc  affected  with  any  thing  but  solid  iron 
or  lead. 

Sir  Edward  found  in  this,  ms  first  essay,  in  the 
eastern  world,  that  he  had  to  contend  with  other 
soldiers  than  those  of  despots,  who  detest  the  power 
they  fight  for.  He  had  to  contend  with  Republican 
Freemen,  each  of  whom  had  sacred  rights  to  de- 
fend ;  and  who  were  ready  to  sacrifice  their  lives,, 
in  defence  of  their  beloved  Republic. 

From  the  28th  to  the  1st  January,  the  enemy 
were  incessantly  engaged  in  strengthening  their 
force  by  transporting  heavy  pieces  of  artillery  from 
their  shipping  to  their  lines.  The  Americans  were 
no  less  industriously  engaged   in  preparing  to   de- 


ANDREW  J  ACKSOX.  '2  1  d 

fend  their's  against  the  most  furious  onset  that  could 
be  made. 

Upon  the  1st  January,  the  enemy  pushed  forward 
the  whole  of  their  heavy  artillery,  and  at  the  same 
time,  with  bombs  and  rockets,  commenced  an  attack 
upon  the  whole  line,  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Cy- 
press Swamp.  They  were  immediately  answered 
by  the  heavy  messengers  of  death  that  were  planted 
upon  the  extensive  intrencKment,  and  by  the  rifles  and 
muskets  that  were  wielded  by  the  troops  who  were 
secured  behind  it.  The  battle  raged  until  the  ap- 
proach of  darkness  induced  the  British  assailants,  to 
retire  to  their  lines  for  safety.  The  enemy  were 
repulsed  with  great  loss  ;  but  having  carried  their 
dead  and  wounded  from  the  field,  the  number  could 
not  be  ascertained.  The  loss  of  the  Americans 
was— killed  1 1— wounded  23 — Total  34. 

Convinced  that  an  attack  in  line,  could  not  be 
made  with  any  hop^of  success,  they  next  attempt- 
ed to  turn  the  left  wing  of  the  army,  by  means  of  a 
battery  they  had  erected  in  the  night  season,  and  in  a 
foggy  morning,  in  the  edge  of  the  Swamp.  Confident 
of  accomplishing  this  object — as  the  sun  appeared 
through  the  fog,  to  their  utter  astonishment  and 
consternation,  they  found  the  American  intrench- 
ment  completed  300  yards  beyond  their  battery  in 
the  Swamp,  and  the  gallant  Gen,  Coffee  and  his 
Tennessee  Volunteers,  ready  to  repel  them.  Their 
battery  was  destroyed — many  lives  were  lost,  and 
ipPassailarits  precipitately  retreated  to  their  camp. 


21 G  MEMOIRS  OF 

By  these  repeated  attempts,  and  as  often  unsuc- 
cessful ones,  the  British  commander  was  experi- 
mentally convinced,  that  some  mode  yet  unessayed, 
must  be  adopted  to  gain  a  victory  which  his  coun- 
trymen expected,  and  even  Americans  feared,  he 
would  obtain.  No  British  commander  in  chief, 
since  the  capture  of  Lord  Cornwallis  and  his  army, 
by  Washington,  which  terminated  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  had  a  duty  of  more  peril  and  import- 
ance to  perform,  than  had  Sir  Edward  Pakenham, 
before  New  Orleans.  Had  he  gained  a  victory 
over  Gen.  Jackson,  as  Wellington  did  over  Napo* 
eon,  he  would  as  well  have  been  entitled  to  a 
dukedom.  He  resolved  not  to  despair,  but  to  make 
another  desperate  effort,  to  acquire  equal  glory  in 
the  western,  as  Arthur  Wellesley  has  in  the  eastern 
world. 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  XV 


&eu.  Jackson's,  and  Sir  Edward  Pakenhaavs  armies 
from  the  1st,  to  Gtli  January—  Gen.  Morgan's  lines — 
Battle  of  the  8th  January-^-Gen.  Jackson's  report 
0f  it— Gen,  Morgan's  retreat — Gen.  Jackson's  ad- 
dress to  the  armies — he  regain-  'he  right  bank  of  the 
Mississippi— Bombardment,  and  attack  upon  Fort  St. 
Phillips — Maj.  Overton's  report  to  Gen.  Jackson. 

THE  rival  armies — the  one  under  the  standard 
of  the  Eagle,  the  other  under  that  of  the  Lion,  for 
a  short  period  gazed  at  each  other  in  silent  majesty. 
The  armies  of  the  Prince  Regent,  having  met  with 
nothing  hut  disasters,  during  the  whole  campaign 
of  1814,  had  concentrated  their  forces  with  the 
navy,  before  New  Orleans,  with  a  determination 
to  wipe  off  the  disgrace  they  had  incurred,  by  3 
series  of  almost  uninterrupted  defeats.  The  histo- 
ry of  some  of  their  achievements  thus  far,  has  ne- 
cessarily been  blended  with  the  Memoirs  of  Gen. 
Jackson.  From  no  army  sent  to  America,  since 
the  commencement  of  the  war  of  the  revolution, 
to  this  period,  had  sanguinary  Englishmen  expect- 
ed so  much,  as  from  this.  One  of  the  first  officers 
under  Wellington,  Sir  Edward  Pakenham,  was 
selected  as  its  commander.  .Major-generals  Keane, 
Gibbs,  and  Lambert,  were  generals  of  divisions* 
Most  of  the  troops  were  those  who  had  followed 
m,  in  their  victorious  career  through  the  Py- 
nees,  into  the  heart  of  France,  and  who  had  assist'- 
10 


i 


J18  MEMOIRS  OF 

cdin  gaining  victories  over  the  first  Marshals  in  Eu- 
rope. In  these  considerations^  may  be  found  the 
reasons  for  the  desperation,  not  to  say  infatuation, 
of  the  British  officers,  after  they  landed  in  Louisi- 
ana. They  seemed  to  have  adopted  the  sentiment  of 
Napoleon,  in  the  days  of  his  glory,  that  "troops  who 
had  always  conquered,  will  continue  to  conquer." 
Gen.  Jackson,  undismayed,  and  apparently  un- 
concerned, instead  of  concealing  himself  in  Iijj 
head-quarters  in  the  rear  of  his  intrenchmerit,  was 
constantly  with  his  officers  and  troops,  encour- 
aging them  by  his  example,  animating  them  by 
his  presence,  and  arousing  their  patriotism  by  the 
most  impassioned  eloquence.  Upon  the  4th,  ihc 
Kentucky  militia  arrived,  under  Gen.  Thomas 
raid  Gen.  Adair.  They  amounted  to  about  twen- 
ty-three hundred  ;  but  they  brought  very  little 
with  them,  excepting  hearts  glowing  with  patriotic 
ardour*  But  little  disciplined,  and  almost  without 
arms,  as  the  general  remarked  to  the  Secretary  of 
War — "  My  forces,  as  to  number  had  been  encreas- 
ed — my  3trettgth,hai&  recehed  but  very  little  addi- 
tion, "  The  city  of  New  Orleans  had  been  almost 
completely  stripped  of  arms,  to  furnish  the  Louisi- 
ana militia,  and  the  UiiH  j  s'  armswhich  wen 
known  to  be  in  the  Mississippi,  bysome  unaccounta- 
ble neglect,  had  not  yet  arrived.  The  unarmed 
troops,  however,  were  immediately  placed in situa- 
tions to  be  the  most  serviceable  in  strengtl 
the  main  intrenchment,  and  forwarding  the  one  t% 
miles  in   fhe  rear. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  219 

The  reader  is  referred  to  the  description  of  the 
American  intrenchments  on  each  side  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi, in  the  preceding  chapter.  Gen.  Jackson. 
had  so  divided  his  forces,  as  to  render  the  one  as  se- 
cure as  the  other.  The  British  commander,  resol- 
ved, as  appeared  from  an  order  found  in  the  pocket 
of  a  slain  British  officer,  and  by  his  subsequent 
measures,  to  attack  both  lines  simultaneously. 
This  was  anticipated  by  Gen.  Jackson,  and  mea- 
sures were  taken  accordingly.  Gen.  Morgan,  on 
the  right  bank  of  the  river,  was  aided  by  the  consum- 
mate skill  and  courage  of  Capt.  Patterson,  whose 
battery  was  so  situated  as  to  protect  his  lines,  and 
annoy  the  enemy  in  the  most  effectual  manner. 
A  detachment  of  choice  Kentucky  troops  was  also 
passed  over  the  river,  to  give  him  additional 
StreBgtJi.  Gem.  Jackson's  forces  were  thus  sta- 
tioned— The  regular  troops  in  the  redoubt,  and  on 
ihe  right  next  to  the  river — Gen.  Carroll's  Tennes- 
see militia,  and  Gen.  Adair's  Kentucky  militia,  in 
the  centre — and  Gen.  Coffee's  brigade  upon  the 
ieft,  which  penetrated  some  distance  into  the  Cy- 
press Swamp. 

The  British  army  had  been  reinforced  bv  tlie 
landing  of  Maj.  Gen.  Lambert's  division.  It  has 
been  ascertained  to  be  an  undoubted  fact,  that  from 
the  time  the  British  commenced  the  landing  cf 
troops  below  New  Orleans,  the  full  amount  of  1 4.000 
,  had  been  placed  under  the  command  of 
Edward  Pakenham.     It  is  impossible  to  deter- 


-fr] 


^U  KKSTCHRS  Oi 

mine  how  many  had  been  lost  in  the  several  en 
gagements,  from  the  23d  December,  to  the  8th 
January,  or  how  many,  upon  that  day,  were  up6n 
the  sick  list.  It  would  not,  however,  be  deemed 
improbable,  io  conclude  that  from  10  to  12,000, 
>vere  engaged,  about  double  the  effective  force  of 
Gen.  Jackson. 

Early  upon  the  morning  of  the  8th  January,  1815, 
a  day  which  will  forever  be  memorable  in  Ameri- 
can and  British  annals,  a  tremendous  i;  shower  of 
bombs  and  Congreve  rockets,"  from  the  British 
army,  announced  the  battle  begun.  The  result 
will  be  found  in  the  following  reports,  of  the  Ameri- 
can Conqueror. 

G.Eir.  JACKSON  to  Hon.  JAMES  MONROE. 

Camp  4  miles  below  JVei*  Orleans.  > 
9th  January,  1815.  J 

Sir — During  the  days  of  the  6th  and  7th,  the  ener 
pay  had  been  actively  employed  in  making  prepara- 
tions for  an  attack  on  my  lines.  With  infinite  la- 
bour, they  had  succeeded  on  the  night  of  the  7th,  in 
getting  theirboats  across  from  the  lake  to  the  river, 
by  widening  and  deepening  the  canal  on  which  they 
had  effected  their  disembarkation.  It  had  not 
been  in  my  power  to  impede  these  operations  by  a 
general  attack :  added  to  other  reasons,  the  nature  of 
the  troops  under  my  command,  mostly  militia,  ren- 
dered it  too  hazardous  to  attempt  extensive  a 
|it?c  movements  in  an  open  country,  against  a 


% 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  221 

i  rous  and  well  disciplined  army.  Although  my 
ces,  as  io  number,  had  been  increased  by  the  ar- 
rival of  the  Kentucky  division,  my  Strength  had  re- 
ceived very  little  addition  ;  a  small  portion  only  of 
that  detachment  being  provided  with  arms.  Com- 
pelled thus  to  wait  the  attack  of  the  enemy,  I  took 
every  measure  to  repel  it,  when  it  should  be  made. 
ai*d  to  defeat  the  object  he  had  in  view.  Gen. 
Morgan,  with  the  New  Orleans  contingent,  the 
Louisiana  militia,  and  a  strong  detachment  of  the 
Kentucky  troops,  occupied  an  intrenched  camp  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  protected  by  strong 
batteries  on  the  bank,  erected  and  superintended 
by  Com.  Patterson. 

In  my  encampment,  every  thing  was  ready  for 
action,  when,  early  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  the 
enemy,  after  throwing  a  heavy  shower  of  bombs  and 
Congreve  rockets,  advanced  their  columns  on  m\ 
right  and  left,  to  storm  my  intrenchments.  1  can- 
not speak  sufficiently  in  praise  of  the  firmness  and 
deliberation,  with  which  my  whole  line  received 
their  approach — more  could  not  have  been  expect- 
ed from  veterans  inured  to  war.  For  an  hour,  the 
fire  of  the  small  arms  was  as  incessant  and  severe  as 
i  be  imagined.  The  artillery,  too,  directed  by  offi- 
cers who  displayed  equal  skill  and  courage,  did  great 
execution.  Yet  the  columns  of  the  enemy  contin- 
ued to  advance,  with  a  firmness  which  reflects  upon 
jRra  the  greatest  credit.  Twice,  the  column 
which  approached  me  on  my  left,  was  repulsed  by 
19* 


—  -  MEJklOifcS  G£ 


the  troops  of  Gen.  Carroll,  those  of  GeiwCoffo 

and  a  division  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  and  twice 
they  formed  again  and  renewed  the  assault.  At 
length  however,  cut  to  pieces,  they  fled  in  confu- 
sion from  the  field,  leaving  -it  covered  with  their 
dead  and  wounded.  The  loss  which  the  enemy 
sustained  on  this  occasion,  cannot  he  estimated  at 
less  than  1500  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners. 
Upwards  of  three  hundred  have  already  been  de- 
livered over  for  burial ;  and  my  men  are  still  en- 
gaged in  picking  them  up  within  my  lines,  and  car- 
rying them  to  the  point  where  the  enemy  are  to 
receive  them.  This  is  in  addition  to  the  dead  and 
wounded,  whom  the  enemy  have  been  enabled  to 
carry  from  the  field,  during,  and  since  the  action,  and 
to  those  who  have  since  died  of  the  wounds  they 
received.  We  have  taken  about  500  prisoners. 
upwards  of  300  of  whom  are  wounded,  and  a  great 
part  of  them  mortally.  My  loss  has  not  exceeded, 
and  I  believe  has  not  amounted  to,  ten  killed,  and 
as  many  wounded.  The  entire  destruction  of  the 
enemy's  army  was  now  inevitable,  had  it  not  been 
for  an  ur.fortuiia.te  occurrence,  which  at  this  moment 
took  place  on  the  other  side  of  the  river.  Simultane- 
ously v»  ith  his  advance  upon  my  lines,  he  had  thrown 
over  in  his  boats,  a  considerable  force  to  the  other 
ude  of  the  river.  These  having  landed,  were  har- 
dy enough  to  advance  against  the  works  of  Gen. 
Morgan  ;  and  what  is  strange  and  difficult  to  ac^ 
count  for.  at  the  verv  moment  wrhen  their   entire 


ANDREW  JAd'fcSOX. 

discomfiture  was  looked  for  with  a  confidence  ap- 
proaching to  certainty,  the  Kentucky  reinforce- 
ments, ingloriously  fled,  drawing  after  them,  by 
their  example,  the  remainder  of  the  forces  ;  and 
thus  yielding  to  tli€  enemy,  that  most  fortunate  po- 
sition. The  batteries  which  had  rendered  me,  for 
many  days,  the  most  important  service,  though  brave- 
ly defended,  were  of  course  now  abandoned  ;  not 
however,  until  the  guns  had  been  spiked. 

This  unfortunate  route,  had  totally  changed  the 
aspect  of  affairs.  The  enemy  now  occupied  a 
position  from  which  they  might  annoy  us  without 
hazard,  and  by  means  of  which,  they  might  have 
been  enabled  to  defeat,  in  a  great  measure,  the 
effects  of  our  success  on  this  side  the  river.  It 
became  therefore,  an  object  ofthe  first  consequence 
to  dislodge  him  as  soon  as  possible.  For  this 
object,  all  the  means  in  my  power,  which  I  could 
with  any  safety  use,  wrere  immediately  put  in  pre- 
paration. Perhaps,  however,  it  was  somewhat 
owing  to  another  cause,  that  I  succeeded,  beyond 
my  expectations.  In  negociating  the  terms  of  a  tem- 
porary suspension  of  hostilities,  to  enable  the  enemy 
to  bury  their  dead,  and  provide  for  their  wounded, 
I  had  required  certain  propositions  to  be  acceded 
to  as  a  basis  ;  among  which,  this  was  one — that  al- 
though hostilities  -  should  cease  on  this  side  th& 
river  until  12  o'clock  of  this  day,  yet  it  was  not 
to  be  understood,  that  they  should  cease  on  the 
other  side ;  but  that  no  reinforcements  should  be 


IEMOIRS   OF 


sent  either  arm}-,  until  the  expiration  of 

that  day.  His  Excellency  Maj.  Gen.  Lambert. 
begged  time  to  consider  of  those  propositions  until 
•0  o'clock  of  to-day.  and  in  the  mean  timQ  re-cros- 
sed his  troops.  I  need  not  teii  you  with  how  much 
eagerness  I  immediately  regained  possession  of  the 
position  he  had  thus  hastily  quitted'. 

The  enemy  having  concentrated  his  forces,  mnv 
again  attempt  to  drive  me  from  my  position,  by 
storm.  Whenever  he  does,  1  have  no  doubt  my 
men  will  acf  with  their  usual  firmness,  and  sustain  a 
character,  now  become  dear  to  them, 
I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

It  will  be  noticed  in  this  acount,  that  Gen.  Jack* 
-on,  while  he  bestows  the  most  unqualified  approba- 
iion  upon  his  own  brave  troops,  does  not  omit  to 
declare,  that  the  (i  columns  of  the  enemy  continued 
to  advance,  with  a  firmness  which  reflects  upon 
ttiern  the  highest  credit."  A  brave  man  is  always 
generous  to  a  brave  foe  ;  and  although  a  fallen  one, 
withholds  from  him  no  credit  that  is  justly  Ills  due. 
The  general  estimates  the  loss  of  the  enemy,  at 
scarcely  half  what  it  really  was  ;  for  although  the 
Inspector-general,  Haynes,  makes  it  2, GOO,  subse- 
quent acknowledgments,  from  British  prisoners, 
makes  it  exceed  3000. 

The  agitation  felt  by  the  general,  at  the  loss  of 
the  important  post  on  the  ri^ht  ba*,k  of  ihe  river. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  22£ 

under  Gen.  Morgan,  is  clearly  discoverable  in 
the  language  he  uses  ;  and  it  has  been  said  that  he 
was  too  severe  in  saying,  "  The  Kentucky  rein- 
forcements ingloriausly  fled."  He  immediately 
delivered  to  them,  the  following  elegant  address, 
in  which  he  gives  them  the  fullest  credit,  for 
courage,  except  in  this  instance. 

"  While,  by  the  blessing  of  heaven,  one  of  the 
most  brilliant  victories  was  obtained  by  the  troops 
under  my  immediate  command,  no  words  can  ex- 
press the  mortification  I  felt,  at  witnessing  the 
scene  exhibited  on  the  opposite  bank.  I  will 
ipare  your  feelings  and  my  own,  nor  enter  into  de- 
tail on  the  subject.  To  all  who  reflect,  it  must  be 
a  source  of  eternal  regret,  that  a  few  moments' 
exertion  of  that  courage  you  certainly  possess,  wag 
alone  wanting,  to  have  rendered  your  success  more 
complete,  than  that  of  your  fellow-citizens  in  this 
camp.  To  what  cause  was  the  abandonment  of 
your  lines  owing?  To  fear?  No!  You  are  the 
countrymen,  the  friends,  the  brothers  of  those  who 
have  secured  to  themselves,  by  their  courage,  the 
gratitude  of  their  country  ;  who  have  been  prodi- 
gal of  blood  in  its  defence,  and  who  are  strangers 
to  any  other  fear  than  disgrace — to  disaffection  to 
our  glorious  cause.  No,  my  countrymen,  your  gen- 
eral does  justice  to  the  pure  sentiments  by  which 
^you  are  inspired.  How  then  could  brave  men, 
firm  in  the  cause  in  which  they  were  enrolled,  neg- 
lect their  first  duty,  and  abandon  the  post  commit- 


jj26  memoirs  of 

ted  to  their  care  ?     The  want  of  discipline,  the 
want  of  order,  a  total  disregard  to  obedience,  and 
a    spirit    of  insubordination,    not  less  destructive 
than  cowardice  itself,  are  the  causes  which  led  to 
this  disaster,  and  they  must  be  eradicated,  or  I  must 
cease  to  command.      I  desire  to  be  distinctly  un- 
derstood, that  every  breach  of  orders,  a] J  want  of 
discipline,   every  inattention  of  duty,  will  be  seri- 
ously and  promptly  punished  ;  (hat  the  attentive 
officers,  and  good  soldiers,  may  not  be  mentioned 
in  the  disgrace  and  danger,   which  the  negligence 
of  a  few  may  produce.     Soldiers!  you  wantonly 
the  will,   in  order  to    emulate    the   glory  of  you 
fellow-citizens   on    this   bank    of  the    river — You 
have  the  same  motives  for  action — the  same  inter- 
est— the  same  country  to  protect :  and  you  Lave  an 
additional  interest,  from  past  events,  to   wipe   oil 
reproach,  and  show  that  you  will  not  be  infei 
irt  the  day  of  trial,  to  any  of  your  countrymen. 

But,  remember,  without  obedience,   without  or- 
der,  without  discipline,  all  your  efforts  arc  vain 
The  brave  man,  inattentive  to  his  duty,  is  worth 
little  more  to  his  country,  than  the  coward  who 
deserts  her  in  the  hour  of  danger. 

Private  opinions,  as  to  the  competency  of  offi- 
cers, must  not  be  indulged,  and  stiil  less  expressed. 
1 1  is  impossible  that  the  measures  of  those  who 
command,  should  satisfy  all  who  are  bound  to^s 
obey  ;  and  one  of  the  most  dangerous  faults  in  a 
soldier,     is     disposition  to  criticise    and    blame 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  227 

•the  orders  and  characters  of  his  superiours.  Sol- 
diers !  I  know  that  many  of  you  have  done  your 
duty  ;  and  I  trust,  in  future,  that  1  shall  have  no 
reason  to  make  any  exception.  Officers!  I  have 
the  fullest  confidence  that  you  will  enforce  obedi- 
ence to  your  commands  ;  but  ahovc  all,  that  by 
subordination  in  your  different  grades,  you  will 
set  an  example  to  your  men  ;  and  that  hereafter, 
the  army  of  the  right  will  yield  to  none,  in  the  es- 
sential qualities  which  characterize  good  soldiers — 
that  they  will  earn  their  share  of  those  honours  and 
rewards,  which  their  country  will  prepare  for  its 
adherers." 

Gen.  Jackson,  took  immediate  measures  to  re- 
gain, by  force,  the  important  post  on  the  right  bank 
of  the  Mississippi ;  but  ever  anxious  to  spare  the 
effusion  of  human  blood,  he  obtained  it  by  negotia- 
tion, as  mentioned  in  his  letter  to  the  Secretary  of 
iWar.  The  relinquishment  of  this  post,  seems  io 
be  the  result  of  that  infatuation  which  evinced 
|  itself  in  every  measure  of  the  British  cpnamantfer^ 
[after  they  landed  in  Louisiana.  Had  they  a! ii;i- 
i  doned  the  east  side  of  the  river,  and  concentrated 
i  their  forces  upon  the  west,  with  the  immense  quari- 
\  tity  of  heavy  artillery  in  their  possession,  they  would 
I  have  had  the  exclusive  command  of  the  c  '  try 
|io  New  Orleans  ;  and  what  could  then  have 
:he  city,  must  be  left  to  conjecture.  Hen,,  be 
olicitude  of  Gen.  Jackson,  to  regain  i.  •  tie  je 
'00.  his  oxcessive  mortification  at  its  temporary  loss. 


228  MEMOIRS   \)Y 

Notwithstanding  the  unparalleled  \  icioryxnVtaincd 
it  appears  from  the  following  letter,  that  the  gener 
al  acted  as  if  the  enemy  were  preparing  "  to  mafia 
a  still  mightier  effort  to  aitain    hisjirst  object.^ 

Gen.  JACKSON  to  Hox.  JAMES  MONROE. 

Head-Quarters,  Camp  4  miles  below  } 
jXcw  Orleans  Jan.   J3lh,  1815.  $ 

Sir — At  such  a  crisis,  I  conceive  it  my  duty,  te 
keep  you  constantly  advised  of  my  situation. 

On  the  10th  instant,  I  forwarded  you  an  account 
of  the  bold  attempt  made  by  the  enemy,  on  the 
morning  of  the  8th,  to  take  possession  of  my  works 
by  storm,  and  of  the  severe  repulse  which  he  met 
with.  That  report  having  been  sent  by  the  mail 
which  crosses  the  lake,  may  possibly  have  miscar- 
ried :  for  which  reason,  I  think  it  the  more  neces- 
sary, briefly  to  repeat  the  substance  of  it, 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  the  enemy  hav- 
ingbeen  actively  employed  the  two  preceding  days, 
in  making  preparations  for  a  storm,  advanced  hi 
two  strong  columns  on  my  right  and  left.  The) 
were  received,  however,  with  a  firmness  which  h 
seems  they  little  expected,  and  which  defeated  al 
their  hopes.  My  men>  undisturbed  by  their  ap  j 
proacn,  which  indeed  they  long  anxiously  wisheel 
for,  opened  upon  them  afire,  so  deliberate  and  cerf 
tain,  as  rendered  their  scaling  ladders  and  fascines 
as  well  as  their  more  direct  implements  of  warfare  I 
perfectly  useless.     For  upwards  of  an  hour  itwal 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  2C2$ 

continued  with  a  briskness  of  which  there  have 
been  but  few  instances,  perhaps,  in  any  country. 
Injustice  to  the  enemy,  it  must  be  said,  they  with- 
stood it  as  long  as  could  be  expected,  from  the 
most  determined  bravery.  At  length,  however, 
when  all  prospect  of  success  became  hopeless,  they 
fled  in  confusion  from  the  field,  leaving  it  covered 
with  their  dead  and  wounded.  Their  loss  T»as 
immense.  I  had  at  first  computed  it  at  1500  ;  but 
it  is  since  ascertained  to  have  been  much  greater. 
Upon  information,  which  is  believed  to  be  correct. 
Col.  Haynes,  the  Inspector-general,  reports  it  to 
be  in  total  2600.  His  report  I  inclose  you.  Mj 
loss  was  inconsiderable,  being  only  7  *  killed,  and 
6  wounded.  Such  a  disproportion  in  loss,  when 
we  consider  the  number  and  the  kind  of  troops  en- 
gaged, must,  I  know,  excite  astonishment,  and  may 
not  every  where  be  fully  credited  ;  yet  lam  per- 
fectly satisfied  that  the  account  is  not  exaggerated 
on  the  one  part,  nor  underrated  on  the  other.  . 

The  enemy  having  hastily  quitted  a  post,  which 
they  had  gained  possession  of,  on  the  other  side  of 
the  river,  and  we,  having  immediately  returned  to 
it,  both  armies  at  present,  occupy  their  former  po- 
sitions. Whether,  after  the  severe  losses  he  has 
sustained,  he  is  preparing  to  return  to  his  shipping, 
or  to  make  still  mightier  efforts  to  attain  his  first 
object,  I  do  not  pretend  to  determine.     It  becomes 

*This  was  in  the  action  on  the  line — afterwards  a  skirmishing 
^as  kept  up,  in  which  a  few  more  of  our  men  were  lost. 
2.0 


230  MEMOIRS  OF 

me  to  act  as  though  the  latter  were  his  intention. 
One  thing,  however,  seems  certain,  that  if  he  still 
calculates  on  effecting  what  he  has  hitherto  been 
unable  to  accomplish,  he  must  expect  considerable 
reinforcements  ;  as  the  force  with  which  he  land- 
ed must  be  undoubtedly  diminished,  by  at  least 
3000 •  Besides  the  loss  which  he  sustained,  on 
the  night  of  the  23d  u!t.  which  is  estimated  at 
400,  he  cannot  have  suffered  less  between  that 
period,  and  the  morning  of  the  8th  iitst.  than  3000 — 
having,  within  that  time,  been  repulsed  in  two 
general  attempts  to  drive  us  from  our  position, 
and  there  having  been  continual  cannonading  and 
skirmishing,  during  the  whole  of  it.  Yet  he  is 
still  able  to  shew  a  very  formidable  force. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  the  commanding  general, 
Sir  Edward  Pakenham,  was  killed,  in  the  action 
of  the  8th,  and  that  Major-generals  Keane,  and 
Gibbs,  were  badly  wounded. 

Whenever  a  more  leisure  moment  shall  occur, 
I  will  take  the  liberty  to  make  and  forward  you 
a  more  circumstantial  account,  of  the  several  ac- 
tions, and  particularly  that  of  the  8th,  in  doing 
which,  my  chief  motive  will  be  to  render  justice 
to  those  brave  men  I  have  the  honour  to  command, 
and  who  have  so  remarkably  distinguished  them- 
selves. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  231 

The  rival  armies  upon  the  9th,  were  restored  to 
their  former  positions  ;  and  hoth  were  ignorant  of 
the  intentions  of  each  other.  Sir  Edward  Paken- 
ham  being  slain,  and  Generals  Keane  and  Gibbs, 
being,  the  one  mortally,  and  the  other  severely 
wounded,  were  compelled,  the  one  to  languish 
and  die,  the  other  to  languish  and  barely  survive. 
The  command  devolved  upon  Maj,  Gen.  Lambert. 
The  deep  penetration  of  Gen.  Jackson,  might 
well  lead  him  to  suppose  that  Gen.  Lambert,  and 
Col.  Thornton,  (who  had  once  conquered  on 
the  right  bank  of  the  river)  would  unite  their 
"  mightier  efforts,"  to  conquer  on  the  east.  Ever 
vigilant,  aiid  never  remiss,  he  relaxed  not  in  the 
least  from  his  former  energy.  The  plains  of 
Capua,  after  a  victory,  and  the  luxurious  indul- 
gence of  the  fruits  of  conquest  upon  them,  proved 
to  be  the  destruction  of  Hannibal  and  his  army. 
Gen.  Jackson  was  resolved,  that  the  banks  of  the 
Mississippi  should  not  prove  so  to  him,  and  his  patri- 
otic companions. 

White  every  exertion  was  made  to  prepare  for 
another  attack,  the  distant  thunder  of  cannon,  an- 
nounced to  the  armies,  the  operations  of  the  pow- 
erful British  naval  force  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi. From  the  official  report  of  Maj.  Overton? 
to  Gen.  Jackson,  it  maybe  concluded  that  Admiral 
Cochrane,  and  Sir  Edward  Pakenham,  had  agreed 
to  commence  final  operations  at  the  same  time — 
*he  one  to  capture  New  Orleans,  the  other  to  destroy 


232  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  American  forts  at  the  mouth  of  the  riven  Upon 
the  memorable  8th  January,  a  squadron  of  the  Brit- 
ish naval  force  appeared  before  Fort  St.  Phillips. 
Gen.  Jackson,  thus  writes  to  the  Secretary  at 
War — "I  have  the  honour  to  inclose  you  Maj. 
Overton's  report,  of  the  attack  of  Fort  St.  Phillips, 
and  of  the  manner  in  which  it  was  defended. 
The  conduct  of  that  officer,  and  of  those  who 
acted  under  him,  merits,  I  think,  great  praise. 
They  nailed  their  own  coloured  the  standard, 
and  placed  those  of  the  enemy  underneath  them, 
determined  never  to  surrender  the  fort."  The  fol- 
lowing is  the  report  alluded  to  by  the  general. 

Maj.  W.  H.  OVERTON   to   Gen.   JACKSON. 
Fort  St.  Phillips,  January  19,    1815. 

Sir — On  the  first  of  the  present  month,  I  receiv- 
ed the  information,  that  the  enemy  intended  pas- 
sing this  fort,  to  co-operate  with  their  land  forces, 
in  the  subjugation  of  Louisiana,  and  the  destruction! 
ef  New  Orleans.  To  effect  this  with  more  facility , 
they  were  first,  with  their  heavy  bomb-vessels,  to 
bombard  this  place  into  compliance.  On  the 
grounds  of  this  information,  I  turned  my  attention 
to  the  security  of  my  command.  I  erected  small 
magazines  in  different  parts  of  the  garrison,  that 
if  one  blew  up,  I  could  resort  to  another  ;  built 
covers  for  my  men,  to  secure  them  from  the  explo- 
sion of  the  shells,  and  removed  the  combustible 
matter  without  the  work.  Early  in  the  day  of 
the  8th  inst.  I  was  advised  of  their    approach,  an£ 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  233 

on  the  9th,  at  a  quarter  past  10,  A.  M.  hove  in  sight, 
two  bomb  vessels,  one  sloop,  one  brig,  and  one 
schooner;  they  anchored  two  and  one  quarter  miles 
below— at  half  past  eleven,  and  at  half  past  twelve, 
they  advanced  two  barges,  apparently  for  the  pur- 
pose of  sounding  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of 
the  fort.  At  this  moment,  I  ordered  my  water 
battery,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Cunning- 
ham of  the  navy,  to  open  upon  them:  its  well  di- 
rected shot,  caused  a  precipitate  retreat.  At  half 
past  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  enemy's  bomb-vessels 
opened  their  fire,  from  four  sea-mortars,  two  of 
thirteen  inches,  two  of  ten,  and  to  my  great  morti- 
fication, 1  found  they  were  without  the  effective 
range  of  my  shot,  as  many  subsequent  experiments 
proved.  They  continued  their  fire,  with  little  inter- 
mission, during  the  10th,  11th,  12th,  13th,  14th. 
1 5th,  1 6th,  and  1 7th.  1  occasionally  opened  my  bat- 
teries on  them  with  great  vivacity,  particularly  when 
they  showed  a  disposition  to  change  their  position. 
On  the  17th,  in  the  evening,  our  heavy  mortar 
was  said  to  be  in  readiness.  I  ordered  that  excel- 
lent officer,  Capt.  Wolstcncrofr,  of  the  artillerists, 
who  previously  had  charge  of  it,  to  open  a  fire, 
which  was  done  with  great  effect,  as  the  enemy  from 
that  moment  became  disordered,  and  at  day-light- 
en the  18th,  commenced  their  retreat,  after  having, 
thrown  upwards  of  a  thousand  heavy  shells,  besides 
phells  from  howitzers,  round  shot  and  grape,  which 
he  discharged  from  boats,  under  cover  of  the  night. 
20* 


■234  MEMOIRS  OF 

Our  loss  in  this  affair,  has  been  uncommonly 
.mall,  owing  entirely  to  the  great  pains  that  were 
iake»  by  the  different  officers,  to  keep  their  men 
untfer  cover  ;  as  the  enemy  left  scarcely  ten  feet 
of  this  garrison  untouched. 

The  officers  and  soldiers  through  this  whole  af- 
fair, although  nine  days  and  nights  under  arms,  in 
the  different  batteries,  the  consequent  fatigue  and 
loss  of  sleep,  have  manifested  the  greatest  firmness, 
and  the  most  zealous  warmth  to  beat  the  enemy.  To 
distinguish  individuals,  would  be  a  delicate  task, 
as  merit  was  conspicuous  every  where.  Lieut. 
Cunningham  of  the  navy,  who  commanded  my 
water  battery,  with  his  brave  crew,  evinced  the 
most  determined  bravery,  and  uncommon  activity 
throughout;  in  fact,  Sir,  the  only  thing  to  be  regret- 
ted, is,  that  the  enemy  was  too  timid  to  give  .us 
an  opportunity  of  destroying  him. 

I  herewith  inclose  you,  a  list  of  the  killed  and 
wounded.  I  am  Sir,  very  respectfully, 

W.  H.  OVERTON. 
The  loss  of  the  Americans,  from  the  official  re- 
port, was  killed  2— wounded  7 — Total  9. — Noth- 
ing but  the  immense  importance  of  the  post  he  com- 
manded, can  justify  Maj.  Overton  in  nailing  his 
colours  to  his  standard.  Even  th^  praise  of  Gen. 
Jackson,  cannot  wholly  exculpate  a  commander  for 
an  act,  which  might  have  led  to  the  sacrifice  of  his 
tohole  garrison,  by  a  force,  to  contend  with  which; 
would  have  been  desperation. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  235 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Situation  of  the  armies  after  the  battle  of  the  8th  Jan- 
uary—  Melancholy  and  distressing  scene — Opera- 
tions at  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi — Departure 
of  the  enemy — Gen  Jackson's  address  to  the  Ameri- 
can troops — Disparity  in  the  loss  of  the  two  armies. 

ALTHOUGH  the  American  army  under  Gen. 
Jackson,  and  the  British  army  under  Gen.  Lambert, 
remained  in  full  view  of  each  other,  from  the  9th, 
to  the  18th,  no  hostile  military  operations  took  place 
between  them,  during  that  time.  The  first  were 
preparing  for  a  renewed  attack,  enjoying  the  re- 
pose their  valour  had  rendered  secure,  and  which, 
many  days  of  excessively  hard  labour,  and  a  num- 
ber of  severe  fighting,  rendered  peculiarly  neces- 
sary. The  last  were  employed  in  discharging  the 
most  melancholy  duties  of  the  carrtp.  The  sol- 
diers were  engaged  in  depositing  in  the  bosom  of 
the  earth,  their  slain  comrades,  who  had  for  many 
days  previous,  fought  by  their  sides  upon  its  sur- 
face, and  assuaging  the  distresses  of  the  vvound- 
ed,  who  yet  survived.  Humanity  must  weep  over 
such  a  scene  ;  and  in  the  death  and  anguish  of 
the  gallant,  and  comparatively  innocent  soldiers 
vof  England,  for  a  season  forget  the  wicked  cause 
in  which  they  fell — the  cause  of  tyranny  against 
freedom.  Even  the  patriotic  soldiers  of  our  belov- 
ed Republic,  in  beholding  the  banks  of  the  majestic 
Mississippi,  converted  into  an  outspread  sepulchre 


'236  MEMOIRS    OF 

for  veteran  foemen,  who  had  one  common  origm 
with  themselves,  must  have  dropped  a  manly  tear. 
But  how  soon  will  reflection  compel  them  to  pour 
forth  the  most  indignant  imprecations  against  the 
British  government,  whose  systematic  injustice 
first  occasioned  the  war,  and  against  the  British 
officers,  whose  Vandalism  and  barbarity,  even  chari- 
ty itself  can  never  forgive.  It  must  crimson  with 
a  blush  every  Englishman,  who  reads  the  history 
of  the  nineteenth  century,  when  he  finds  it  re- 
corded, that  an  officer,  the  pride  of  England,  con- 
fident of  capturing  one  of  the  finest  cities  in  Ameri- 
ca, gave  as  a  countersign,  upon  the  day  his  army 
was  to  enter  it — "  Booty  and  Beauty  !!"  The 
hard  earnings  of  patient  industry,  were  to  be  ra- 
vished from  the  defenceless  citizens,  and  their  wives 
and  daughters  to  be  subjected  to  the  diabolical  lust 
of  a  full-gorged  soldiery.  The  innocent  and  ac- 
complished females,  of  New  Orleans,  who  had  spent 
days  of  labour,  and  nights  of  watchfulness,  in  alle- 
viating the  toils  of  their  valiant  countrymen,  while 
stationed  under  the  banners  of  the  Republic,  were 
to  suffer  more  than  ten  thousand  deaths  could  in- 
flict, before  the  very  eyes  of  those  who  had  blessed 
them  for  their  bounty,  but  who  could  no  longer 
extend  to  them  protection.  Well  may  the  English 
reader  exclaim  with  an  ancier.t  poet — "  Qui?  tern- 
peret  a  lachrymis,  talia  fandof*  (who  can  refrain 
from  tears  in  relating  such   deeds  ;)  and  well  may 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  237 

the  patriotic   sous  of  Columbia,   when  thinking  of 

t  their  implacable  enemy,  resolve  to  be, 

"  Fire  to  fire,  flint  to  flint,   and  to  outface 
uThe  brow  of  bragging  horrour." 

It  would  seem  that  Gen.  Lambert,  had  deter- 
mined to  maintain  his  position  upon  the  Mississippi, 
until  he  learned  the  result  of  the  naval  operations 
at  its  mouth.  Upon  the  l?th,  Capt.  Wolstoncroft, 
of  the  artillerists,  having  taken  a  position  which 
brought  the  British  shipping  within  the  range  of  his 
mortar,  immediately  threw  them  into  disorder,  and 
compelled  them  to  retire.  Upon  the  18th,  Gen. 
Lambert,  having  had  time  to  receive  this  discour- 
aging intelligence,  decamped  in  the  night  season, 
as  appears  from  the  following  official  communica- 
tion. 

Gen.  JACKSON,  to  Hon.  JAMES  MONROE, 

Camp  below  New  Orleans,  19th  Jan.  1815. 
Last  night  at  12  o'clock,  the  enemy  precipitate- 
ly decamped  and  returned  to  their  boats,  leaving 
behind  him,  under  medical  attendance,  eighty  of 
his  wounded,  including  two  officers,  14  pieces  of  hi* 
heavy  artillery,  and  a  quantity  of  shot,  having  de- 
stroyed much  of  his  powder.  Such  was  the  situa- 
tion of  the  ground  he  abandoned,  and  of  that 
through  which  he  retired,  protected  by  canals,  re- 
doubts, intrenchments  and  swamps  on  his  right, 
and  the  river  on  his  left,  that  I  could  not  without 
encountering  a  risk,  which  true  policy  did  not  seem 


238  MEMOIRS  OF 

to  require,  or  to   authorise,  attempt  to  annoy  him 
.  much  on  his  retreat.     We  took  only  eight   prison- 
ers. 

Whether,  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  enemy  io  aban- 
don the  expedition  altogether,  or  renew  his  efforts  at 
some  other  point,  I  do  not  pretend  to  determine 
with  positiveness.  In  my  own  mind,  however, 
there  is  but  little  doubt,  that  his  last  exertions  have 
been  made  in  this  quarter  ;  at  any  rate  for  the  pre- 
sent season,  and  by  the  next,  I  hope  we  shall  be  ful- 
ly prepared  for  him.  In  this  belief,  1  am  strength- 
ened, not  only  by  the  prodigious  loss  he  has  sus- 
tained at  the  position  he  had  just  quitted,  but  by  the 
failure  of  his  fleet  to  pass  Fort  St.  Phillips. 

His  loss  on  the  ground,  since  the  debarkation  of 
his  troops,  as  stated  by  the  last  prisoners  and  desert- 
ers, and  as  confirmed  by  many  additional  circum- 
stances, must  have  exceeded  four  thousand ;  and 
was  greater  in  the  action  of  the  8th,  than  was  esti- 
mated, from  the  most  correct  data,  then  in  his  pos- 
session, by  the  inspector-general,  whose  report  has 
been  forwarded  to  you.  We  succeeded,  on  the 
8th,  in  getting  from  the  enemy  about  1000  stand  of 
arms  of  various  descriptions. 

Since  the  action  of  the  8th,  the  enemy  have  been 
allowed  very  little  respite- — my  artillery  from  both 
sides  of  the  river,  being  constantly  employed,  till 
the  night,  and  indeed  until  the  hour  of  their  retreat, 
in  annoying  them.  No  doubt  they  thought  it  quite 
time  to  quit  a  position  in  which  so  little  rest  could 
fee  found. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  23$ 

I  am  advised  by  Maj.  Overton,  who  commands 
at  Fort  St.  Phillips,  in  a  letter  of  the  1  8th,  that 
the  enemy  having  bombarded  his  fort  for  8  or  9  days, 
from  13  inch  mortars,  without  effect,  had,  on  the 
morning  of  that  day,  retired.  I  have  little  doubt 
that  he  would  have  been  able  to  have  sunk  their 
vessels,  had  they  attempted  to  run  by. 

Giving  the  proper  weight  to  all  these  considera- 
tions, I  believe,  you  will  not  think  me  too  sanguine 
in  the  belief,  that  Louisiana  is  now  clear  of  its 
enemy.  I  hope,  however,  I  need  not  assure  you, 
that  wherever  I  command,  such  a  belief  shall  never 
occasion  any  relaxation  in  the. measures  for  resist- 
ance. I  am  but  too  sensible,  that  the  moment 
when  the  enemy  is  opposing  us,  is  not  the  most 
proper  to  provide  for  them. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

P.  S.  On  the  18th,  our  prisoners  on  shore  were 
delivered  us,  an  exchange  having  been  previously 
agreed  to.  Those  who  are  on  board  the  fleet,  will 
be  delivered  at  Petit  Coquille — after  which,  I  shall 
Mill  have  in  my  hands  an  excess  of  several  hundred. 

20th — Mr.  Shields,  purser  in  the  navy,  has  to- 
day taken  54  prisoners  ;  among  them  are  four  offi- 
cers. A.  J. 

Thus  ended  the  expedition  of  the  British  army, 
against  the  city  of  New  Orleans — thus  ended  the 
demonstration  of  the   British  naval  force,  against 


S40  memoirs  or 

the  forts  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi.  The  de- 
tail of  events  which  took  place  in  this  interesting 
and  important  section  of  the  Republic,  have  neces- 
sarily been  blended  with  the  Memoirs  of  Gen, 
Jackson.  Indeed,  they  are  identified  with  each 
other — he  was  the  first  motion  of  every  movement. 
The  deeply  interesting  scenes  through  which 
Gen.  Jackson,  his  army,  and  the  citizens  of  New 
Orleans  were  called  to  pass  from  the  16th  Decem- 
ber, 1814,  to  the  18th  January,  1815,  would  furnish 
subjects  for  a  volume  far  more  extended  than 
the  whole  of  this  little  work.  In  a  few  pages  I 
have  endeavoured  to  present  the  reader  with  the 
prominent  facts  connected  with  these  great  events. 
That  they  were  derived  from  sources  indisputably 
accurate,  I  have  the  most  confident  assurance.  A 
brief  recapitulation  would  be  attempted,  were  it 
not  in  my  power  to  furnish  the  reader  with  the  ele- 
gant and  impressive  address  of  Gen.  Jackson  to  his 
troops  upon  the  21st  January,  which  follows. 

ADDRESS, 

Directed  by  Maj.  Gen.  Jackson,  to  be  read  at  the  head 
of  each  of  the  corps  composing  the  line  below  iSevv 
Orleans,  Jan.   21,  1815. 

Citizens,  and  fellow  soldiers  !  The  enemy  has 
retreated,  and  your  general  has  now  leisure  to  pro- 
claim to  the  world  what  he  has  noticed  with  admi- 
ration and  pride — your  undaunted  courage,  your 
patriotism^  and  patience,  under  hardships  and  fa- 


AMHtEW  JACKSON*  241 

tigues.  Natives  of  different  states,  acting  together 
for  the  first  time  in  this  camp  ;  differing  in  habits 
and  in  language,  instead  of  viewing  in  these  cir- 
cumstances, the  germ  of  distrust  and  division,  you 
have  made  them  the  source  of  an  honourable  em- 
ulation, and  from  the  seeds  of  discord  itself,  have 
reaped  the  fruits  of  an  honourable  union.  This 
day  completes  the  fourth  week,  since  fifteen  hun- 
dred of  you  attacked  treble  your  number  of  men, 
who  had  boasted  of  their  discipline  and  their  ser- 
vices under  a  celebrated  leader,  in  a  long  and 
eventful  war — attacked  them  in  their  camp,  the 
moment  they  had  profaned  the  soil  of  freedom,  with 
their  hostile  tread,  and  inflicted  a  blow  which  was 
a  prelude  to  the  final  result  of  their  attempt  to  con- 
quer, or  their  poor  contrivances  to  dh  ide  us.  A 
few  hours  was  sufficient  to  unite  the  gallant  band, 
though  at  the  moment  they  received  the  welcome 
order  to  march,  they  were  separated  many  leagues, 
in  different  directions  from  the  city.  The  gay  ra- 
pidity of  the  march,  and  the  cheerful  countenances 
of  th§  officers  and  men,  would  have  induced  a  belief . 
that  some  festive  entertainment,  not  the  strife  of 
battle,  was  the  scene  to  which  they  hastened  with 
so  much  eagerness  and  hilarity.  In  the  conflict 
that  ensued,  the  same  spirit  was  supported,  and  my 
communications,  to  the  executive  of  the  U.  States 
hav  testified  the  sense  I  entertained  of  the  merits  of 
the  corps  and  officers  that  were  engaged.     Resting 

on  the  field  of  battle,  they  retired  in  perfect  order 
*  21 


242  MEMOIRS  OF 

on  the  next  morning  to  these  lines,  destined  to  be- 
come the  scene  of  future  victories,  which  they  were 
to  share  with  the  rest  of  you,  my  brave  compan- 
ions in  arms.  Scarcely  were  your  lines  a  protec- 
tion against  musket  shot,  when  on  the  28th,  a  dis- 
position was  made  to  attack  them  with  all  the  pomp 
and  parade  of  military  tactics,  as  improved  by 
those  veterans  of  the  Spanish  war. 

Their  batteries    of  heavy  cannon   kept    up   an 
incessant  fire  ;  their  rockets  illuminated  the  air  ; 
and  under  their  cover,  two  strong  columns  threat- 
ened our  flanks.      The  foe  insolently  thought  that 
this    spectacle  was   too  imposing  to   be    resisted, 
and  in  the  intoxication   of  his  pride,    he  already 
saw    our    lines    abandoned    without    a    contest — 
how  were  those  menacing  appearances  met  ?    By 
shouts   of  defiance,   by  a  manly  countenance,  not 
to    be  shaken    by  the   roar  of  his  cannon,   or   by 
the  glare  of  his  firework  rockets  ;  by  an  artillery 
served  with  superiour  skill,  and  with  deadly  effect. 
Never,  my  brave  friends,  can  your  general  forget 
the  testimonials  of  attachment  to  our  glorious  cause, 
of  indignant  hatred  to  our  foe,  of  affectionate  confi- 
dence in  your  chief,  that  resounded  from   every 
rank,  as  he  passed  along  your  line.     This  anima- 
ting scene  damped  the  courage  of  the  enemy  ;  he 
dropped  his  scaling  ladders  and  fascines,  and   the 
threatened  attack  dwindled  into  a    demonstration^ 
which  served  only  to  shew  the  emptiness  of  his  pa- 
rade, and  to  inspire  you  with  a  just  confidence  in 
vour-elves. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  243 

The  new  year  was  ushered  in  with  the  most  tre- 
mendous fire  his  whole  artillery  could  produce  :  a 
few  hours  only,  however,  were  accessary  for  the 
brave  and  skilful  men  who  directed  our  own,  to 
dismount  his  cannon,  destroy  his  batteries,  and  ef- 
fectually silence  his  fire.  Hitherto,  my  brave 
friends,  in  the  contest  on  our  lines,  your  courage 
had  been  passive  only  ;  you  stood  with  calmness,  a 
fire  that  would  have  tried  the  firmness  of  a  veteran, 
and  you  anticipated  a  nearer  contest  with  an  eager- 
ness which  was  soon  to  be  gratified. 

On  the  8th  of  Jan.  the  final  effort  was  made.  At 
the  dawn  of  day  the  batteries  opened,  and  the  co- 
lumns advanced.  Knowing  that  the  volunteers 
from  Tennessee,  and  the  militia  from  Kentucky, 
were  stationed  on  your  left,  it  was  there  they  di- 
rected their  chief  attack. 

Reasoning  always  from  false  principles,  they  ex- 
pected little  opposition  from  men,  whose  officers 
even  were  not  in  uniform,  who  were  ignorant  of  the 
rules  of  dress,  and  who  had  never  been  caned  into 
discipline.  Fatal  mistake  !  a  fire  incessantly  kept 
up,  directed  with  calmness  and  with  unerring  aim, 
strewed  the  field  with  the  bravest  officers  and  men, 
of  the  column  which  slowly  advanced,  according 
to  the  most  approved  rules  of  European  tactics, 
and  was  cut  down  by  the  untutored  courage  of 
American  militia.  Unable  to  sustain  this  galling 
and  unceasing  fire,  some  hundreds  nearest  the  in- 
trenchment  called  for  quarter,  which  was  granted— 


244  MEMOIRS  OF 

the  rest  retreating,  were  rallied  at  some  distance, 
but  only  to  make  them  a  surer  mark  for  the  grape 
and  canister  shot  of  our  artillery,  which,  without 
exaggeration,  mowed  down  whole  ranks  at  every 
discharge  :  and  at  length  they  precipitately  retired 
from  the  field. 

Our  right  had  only  a  short  contest  to  sustain 
with  a  few  rash  men,  who  fatally  for  themselves, 
forced  their  entrance  into  the  unfinished  redoubt 
on  the  river.  They  were  quickly  dispossessed, 
and  this  glorious  day  terminated  with  the  loss  to 
the  enemy,  of  their  commander  in  chief  and  one 
major-general  killed,  another  major-general  wound- 
ed the  most  experienced  and  bravest  of  their  officers, 
and  more  than  three  thousand  men  killed,  wound- 
ed and  missing,  while  our  ranks,  my  friends,  were 
thinned  only  by  the  loss  of  seven  of  our  brave  com- 
panions killed,  and  six  disabled  by  wounds — won- 
derful interposition  of  heaven!  unexampled  event 
in  the>  history  of  war  ! 

Let  us  be  grateful  to  the  God  of  battles,  who  has 
directed  the  arrows  of  indignation  against  our  inva- 
dersj  while  he  covered  with  his  protecting  shield 
the  brave  defenders  of  their  country. 

After  this  unsuccessful  and  disastrous  attempt^ 
their  spirits  were  broken,  their  force  was  destroy- 
ed, and  their  whole  attention  was  employed  in  pro- 
viding the  means  of  escape.  This  they  have  effect- 
ed ;  ieaving  their  heavy  artillery  in  our  power,  and 
many  of  their  wounded   to  our  clemency*     The 


Atft)REW  JACKSON.  C2A5 

consequences  of  this  short,  but  decisive  campaign, 
are  incalculably  important.  The  pride  of  our  ar- 
rogant enemy  humbled,  his  forces  broken,  his  lead- 
ers killed,  his  insolent  hopes  of  our  disunion  frus- 
trated— his  expectation  of  rioting  in  our  spoils  and 
wasting  our  country,  changed  into  ignominious  de- 
feat, shameful  flight,  and  a  reluctant  acknowledg- 
ment of  the  humanity  and  kindness  of  those  whom 
he  had  doomed  to  all  the  horrours  and  humiliation 
of  a  conquered  state. 

On  the  other  side,  unanimity  established,  disaf- 
fection crushed,  confidence  restored,  your  country 
saved  from  conquest,  your  property  from  pillage, 
your  wives  and  daughters  from  insult  and  viola- 
tion— the  union  preserved  from  dismember  me  nt, 
and  perhaps,  a  period  put  by  this  decisive  stroke,  to 
a  bloody  and  savage  war.  These,  my  brave  friends, 
are  the  consequences  of  the  efforts  you  have  made, 
and  the  success  with  which  they  have  been  crown- 
ed by  heaven. 

These  important  results  have  been  effected  by 
the  united  courage  and  perseverance  of  the  army  ; 
but  which  the  different  corps,  as  well  as  the  indi- 
viduals that  compose  it,  have  vied  with  each  other 
in  their  exertions  to  produce.  The  gratitude,  the 
admiration  of  their  country,  offers  a  fairer  reward, 
than  that  which  any  praises  of  the  general  can  be- 
stow, and  the  best  is  that  of  which  they  can  never  be 
deprived,  the  consciousness  of  having  done  their  du- 
ty, and  of  meriting  the  applause  the)  whi  receive.5" 

Sri* 


24G  MEMOIRS    OF 

The  history  of  modern  warfare  furnishes  innume- 
rable instances  of  enthusiastic  and  ardent  appeals 
to  the  pride  and  courage  of  soldiers,  before  battles 
were  fought,  and  most  extravagant  exaggerations  of 
their  achievements,  after  they  were  won*     In  the 
addresses  of  Gen.  Jackson  to  his  troops,  before  he 
entered  the  sanguinary  field,  nothing  is  to  be  dis- 
covered but  the  cool,  dignified,  and  majestic   lan- 
guage of  a  great  commander, prepared  for  victory. 
When  he  had  vanquished  his  foe,  the  highest  en- 
comium he  could  bestow  upon  his  officers  and  sol- 
diers was,  that  they  had  answered  his  expectations. 
In  no  instance,  but  one,  in  the  numerous  battles  he 
had  fought,  and  conquered,  had  he  occasion  to  ex- 
press regret,  at  the  conduct  of  any  portion  of  his 
troops  ;  and  in  that  very  instance,  he  gained  one 
of  the  greatest  victories  recorded  in  modern  his- 
tory— that  of  the  8th   January,  1815.     His  agita- 
tion at  loosing  the  right  bank   of  the  Mississippi, 
for  only  a  few,  hours,  compelled  him  to   say  to  a 
section  of  his  little  army,  that  he  was  disappointed. 
With  Gen.  Jackson,  victory  was  never  the  result 
of  accident  or  fortune,    it  was  the  necessary  effect 
produced  by  a  known  cause.     Although  invariably 
rictorious,  it  would  be  a  miserable  eulogy,  to  pro- 
nounce him  a  fortunate  commander.    He  left  noth- 
ing to  be  decided  by  the  capricious  "  fortune   of 
war,"  which  as  often  gives  glory  to  a  blundering 
braggadocio,  as  to  an  accomplished  general.      He 
acted  as  though  he  was  the  guardian,  as  well  as  the 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  2  47 

commander  of  his  soldiers,  and  as  if  he  was  ac- 
countable for  every  limb  and  life  lost  by  execu- 
ting his  commands.  The  manner  in  which  he  de- 
fended New  Orleans,  evinced  the  solicitude  he  felt 
for  the  lives  of  his  soldiers;  and  although  he  was 
conscious  that  it  would  assuage  the  sorrow  of  the 
surviving  friends  of  slain  heroes,  to  declare  that 
they  died  covered  with  glory,  yet,  in  restoring 
them  to  the  bosoms  of  their  connections,  with  the 
laurels  of  victory  upon  their  living  brows,  and  the 
ardour  of  patriotism  in  their  beating  hearts,  he  felt 
as  if  he  was  rendering  to  his  countrymen  and  to 
his  country,  the  best  account  of  his  battles  and  his 
victories. 

The  astonishing  disparity  in  the  losses  of  the 
American  and  British  armies,  would  stagger  the 
belief  of  the  reader,  were  it  not  presented  to 
him  from  most  indubitable  evidence.  From  offi- 
cial reports,  now  in  the  War  Office,  it  appears  that 
the  whole  loss  of  the  Americans,  before  New  Or- 
leans, and  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  was  as 
follows  : — 

Killed.  Wounded.  Missing.  Total, 

Dec.    23d, 24 115 74 213 

Dec.  28th, 7 8 00 15 

Jan'y.  1st, 11 23 00 34 

Jan'y.  8th, 13* 30 19 62 

From  9th to  1 7th,  )       

at  Ft.St.Phillips,  5    ?  '~ " 

*But  seven  were  killed  in  the  engagement, 


-00- 


333 


MEMOIRS  OF 

Thus  it  appears  that  but  57  were  killed — of  the 
183  wounded,  ii  is  not  known  that  any  one  died  ; 
aid  of  the  93  missing,  it  is  not  known  that  but  one 
deserted,  and  he  was  hung  before  the  British  camp, 
by  order  of  the  commander,  immediately  after  the 
final  vict^Bj^ over  him. *  Notwithstanding  the  se- 
verity of  the  season —  He  excessive  labour  and 
fatigue  of  the  troops, — and  the  want  of  camp  equip* 
page,  but  few  died  ;  so  that  it  may  be  said  of  Gen. 
Jackson,  as  it  was  said  of  an  ancient  warrior — "  He 
reus  twice  a  conquer rr,  for  he  brought  home  full  num- 
bers.'n 

The  loss  of  the  British,  from  their  own  acknow- 
ledgment, and  from  the  most  correct  accounts,  must 
have  been  from  4500,  to  5000.  The  mention  of 
New  Orleans,  while  it  calls  up  the  most  grateful 
aid  animated  recollection  of  Americans,  reminds 
Englishmen,  of  o  .e  of  the  most  disastrous  defeats 
recorded  in  the  history  of  their  country. 

♦This  man  was  the  only  deserter  from  Gen.  Jackson's  army. 
He  told  Sir  Edward,  where  the  weakest  part  of  the  Am  riran 
lines  were,  having  nothing  but  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  militta^ 
to  defend  it.  The  principal  c  lumn  of  ihe  enemyt attacked  that 
point.  After  the  defeat,  they  railed  at  the  deserter,  and  hung 
him. 


ANDREW  JACKSOX.  24$ 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

(Sen.  Jackson  appoints  a  day  of  Thanksgiving  and 
Praise,  for  the  Victories  obtained,  and  for  the  preser- 
vation of  the  city,  upon  the  23d  January — Doct. 
Dubourg's  address— the  general's  answer — continues 
iiis  exertions  to  render  the  country  more  secure — 
Surrender  of  Fort  Bowyer — Peace  proclaimed — 
Discharge  of  troops — Gen.  Jackson's  address  to  them 
— Remark 

THE  attention  of  the  reader  is  now  to  be  called 
from  scenes  of  carnage,  wounds,  death,  defeat  and 
victory,  to  one,  the  most  deeply  interesting  that  can 
possibly  be  presented  to  the  view  of  man.  He  is  to 
be  suddenly  transported  from  those  appalling  scenes, 
which,  if  tears  are  permitted  to  soil  the  purity  of 
heaven,  must  make  the  angels  weep,  to  one  which 
must  make  them  rejoice. 

Gen.  Jackson,  his  gallant  officers,  and  his  troops, 
although  loaded  with  earthly  honours,  and  greeted 
with  the  acclamations  of  a  grateful  and  protected 
people,  did  not  omit  to  render  that  homage  which 
is  due  to  that  Almighty  Being,  who  ;i  reigns  in  'the 
armies  of  heaven  above,  as  well  as  in  the  earth  dc- 
neath."  A  day  of  thanksgiving  and  solemn  pra -  *c 
was  appointed  by  the  general.  It  was  upon  the 
of  January.  The  solemn  rites  were  performed  in 
the  Cathedral  in  New  Orleans.  To  behold  a  war- 
worn veteran,  like  Gen.  Jackson,  surrounded  bj 
his  war-worn  officers,  and  troops,  prostrated  upon 


250  MEMOIRS    OF 

the  altar  of  adoration,  and  offering  to  the  God  of 
Battles,  that  glory  which  the  world  had  bestowed 
upon  them,  must  have  moved  the  heart  of  apathy 
itself.  It  is  totally  impossible  for  one  who  wras  not 
a  witness  of  the  scene,  to  have  a  conception  of  its 
solemn  grandeur.  The  solemn  peals  of  the  organ, 
in  unison  with  vocal  praises,  sent  up  to  heaven  the 
grateful  acknowledgments  of  a  preserved  people. 
"  Grim  visag'd  war  had  smoothed  its  wrinkled  front" 
— tears  of  exquisite  joy  rolled  down  the  cheeks  of 
soldiers  and  citizens,  and  the  hearts  of  all  were 
swollen  with  gratitude  to  the  King  of  kings,  anc 
Lord  of  lords.  The  Republic  was  safe  ;  a  vaunt- 
ing foe  was  overthrown,  and  although  the  memorial 
of  the  few  who  had  fallen  in  the  sanguinary  field — 
"'  in  sad  rtmcmbrante  rosc^  it  was  a  subject  of  im 
expressible  consolation,  that  almost  all  the  soldi  en 
who  had  formed  the  impregnable  rampart  upon  th< 
plains  of  the  Mississippi,  were  now  assembled  in  th< 
city,  which  owed  its  preservation  to  their  valour^ 
and  to  the  blessing  of  heaven. 

Upon  this  occasion,  the  Rev.   Doct.   Dubourgj 
.the  administrator  apostolic  of  the  diocese  of  Lou 
isiaaa,  delivered  to  the  general  an  address,  replete 
with  the  pious  effusions  of  the  Christian,  and  th 
elegancies  of  the   scholar.      Although  it  has  Ion: 
been  before   the   public,  I  cannot  omit  to    enrich, 
this  volume,  by  inserting  a  part  of  it,    togethe] 
with   the    impressive    answer    of    Gen.    Jackson 
While  they  will  be  read  with  rapture  by  the  Chris 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  251 

tian,  they  cannot  fail  to  excite  the  admiration  of  the 
patriot. 

The  venerable  minister  of  the  gospel  thus  ad- 
dressed the  Hero  of  New  Orleans,  and  the  gallant 
officers  and  soldiers  who  had  followed  him  to  vic- 
tory, and  now  joined  him  in  adoration  :-^-;;  Gene- 
ral— While   the   state  of  Louisiana,  in   the  joyful 
transports  of  her  gratitude,  hails  you  as  her  deliv- 
erer, and  the  assertor.  of  her  menaced  liberties — 
while   grateful  America,  so  lately  wrapped  up  in 
anxious  suspense,    on  the    fate  of  this    important 
city,  is  re-echoing  from  shore  to  shore,  your  splen- 
did achievements,  and  preparing  to  inscribe  your 
name   on  her  immortal  rolis,  among  those  of  her 
Washingtons — while  history,  poetry,  and  the  mon- 
umental arts,  will  vie,  in  consigning  to  the  admira- 
tion of  the  latest  posterity,   a   triumph,   perhaps, 
unparalleled  in  their  records — while  thus  raised, 
By  universal  acclamation,  to  the  very  pinnacle  of 
fame,  how  easy  had  it  been  for  you.  General,   to 
forget  the    Prime  Mover  of  your  wonderful  suc- 
cesses, and  to  assume  to  yourself  a  praise,  which 
must   essentially   return    to    that    exalted    source, 
whence  every  merit  is  derived.     But,   better  ac- 
quainted with  the  nature  of  true  glory,  and  justly 
placing  the  summit  of  your  ambition,  in  approving 
yourself  the  worthy  instrument  of  heaven's  merci- 
ful designs,  the  first  impulse  of  your  religious  heart, 
was  to  acknowledge    the  interposition   of  Provi- 
dence— vour  first  step,  a  solemn  display  of  your 


252  MEMOIRS  OF 

humble  sense  of  His  favours.  Still  agitated  at 
the  remembrance  of  those  dreadful  agonies,  from 
which  we  have  been  so  miraculously  rescued,  it  is 
our  pride  to  acknowledge,  that  the  Almighty  has 
truly  had  the  principal  hand  in  our  deliverance, 
and  to  follow  you,  general,  in  attributing  to  His  in- 
finite goodness,  the  homage  of  our  unfeigned  grati- 
tude. Let  the  infatuated  votary  of  a  blind  chance, 
deride  our  credulous  simplicity  ;  let  the  cold  heart- 
ed atheist  look  for  the  explanation  of  important 
events,  to  the  mere  concatenation  of  human  causes : 
to  us,  the  whole  universe  is  loud  in  proclaiming  a 
Supreme  Ruler,  who,  as  he  holds  the  hearts  of 
man  in  his  hand,  holds  also  the  thread  of  all  con- 
tingent occurrences. 

To  Him,  therefore,  our  most  fervent  thanks  are 
due,  for  our  late  unexpected  rescue.  It  is  Him  we 
intend  to  praise,  when  considering  you,  general,  as 
the  man  of  his  right  hand,  whom  he  has  taken  pains 
to  fit  out  for  the  important  commission  of  our  de- 
fence. We  extol  that  fecundity  of  genius,  by  which, 
under  the  most  discouraging  distress,  you  created 
unforeseen  resources,  raised,  as  it  were,  from  the 
ground,  hosts  of  intrepid  warriors,  and  provided 
every  vulnerable  point  with  ample  means  of  de- 
fence. To  Him  we  trace  that  instinctive  superiority 
of  your  mind,  which  at  once  rallied  around  you 
universal  confidence  ;  impressed  one  irresistible 
movement  to  all  the  jarring  elements  of  which  this 
political  machine  is  composed  ;  aroused  their  slum- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  lb\ 

Bering  spirits,  and  diffused  through  every  rank,  the 
noble  ardour  which  glowed  in  your  bosom.     To 
Him,  in  fine,  we  address  our  acknowledgments  for 
that  consummate  prudence,  which  defeated  all  the 
combinations  of  a  sagacious  enemy,  entangled  him 
in  the  very  snares  which  he  had  spread  for  us,  and 
succeeded  in  effecting  his  utter  destruction,  without 
exposing  the  lives  of  our  citizens.     Immortal  thanks 
be  to  his  Supreme  Majesty,  for  sending  us  such  an 
instrument  of  His  bountiful  designs  !     A  gift  of  that 
value,  is  the  best  token  of  the    continuance  of  His 
protection — the  most  solid  encouragement,  to  sue 
for  new  favours.     The  first,  which  it  emboldens  us 
humbly   to    supplicate,    as    nearest  our   throbbing 
hearts,  is,  that  you  may  long  enjoy  the  honour  of 
your  grateful  country  ;  of  which  you  will  permit 
us   to  present   you   a  pledge,   in  this  Wreath  of 
Laurel,  the  prize  of  victory,  the  symbol  of  immor- 
tality.    The  next,  is  a  speedy  and  honourable  ter- 
mination of  the  bloody  contest,  in  which  we   are 
engaged.     No  one  has  so  efficaciously  laboured  as 
you,  general,   for  the  acceleration  of  that  blissful 
period :  may  we  soon   reap  that  sweetest  fruit  of 
your  splendid  and  uninterrupted  victories." 

The  general  thus  replied  to  this  solemn  and  im- 
pressive address.  His  allusion  to  the  "  cypress 
leaf,"  a  symbol  of  grief  and  woe,  is  inimitably 
fine.  Cypress  groves  were  constantly  in  View  of 
the  rival  armies,  during  their  sanguinary  conflicts, 
and  they  will  hereafter  remind  Englishmen  of  the 

22 


254  MEMOIRS    OF 

carnage  committed  amongst  his  infatuated  country-* 
men,  invading  our  soil,  by   the   gallant  armies   of 
the  Republic  in  defending  it. 

"  Reverend  Sir — I  receive,  with  gratitude  and  ■ 
pleasure,  the  symbol  crown,  which  piety  has  prepa- 
red. I  receive  it,  in  the  name  of  the  brave  men 
who  so  effectually  seconded  my  exertions — they 
well  deserve  the  laurels  which  their  country  will 
bestow. 

For  myself,  to  have  been  instrumental  in  the 
deliverance  of  such  a  country,  is  the  greatest  bles- 
sing that  heaven  could  confer.  That  it  has  been 
effected  with  so  little  loss — that  so  few  tears  should 
cloud  the  smiles  of  our  triumph,  and  not  a  cypress 
leaf  be  interwoven  in  the  wreath  which  you  pre- 
sent, is  a  source  of  the  most  exquisite  pleasure. 
I  thank  you,  reverend  Sir,  most  sincerely,  for  the 
prayers,  which  you  offer  up  for  my  happiness.  May 
those  your  patriotism  dictates  for  our  beloved 
country,  be  first  heard :  and  may  mine,  for  your 
individual  prosperity,  as  well  as  that  of  the  con. 
gregation  committed  to  your  care,  be  favourably 
received — the  prosperity,  wealth,  and  happiness 
of  this  city,  will  then  be  commensurate  with  the 
courage   and  other  qualities  of  its  inhabitants." 

Gen.  Jackson,  although  he  felt  as  if  Louisiana 
and  its  capital  were  safe,  did  not  remit  any  of  his  ex- 
ertions to  render  the  country  still  more  secure. 
With  the  assistance  of  his  beloved  associates^ 
Generals  Coffee,  Carroll,  Adair,  &c.  and  the  troops 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  255 

under  their  immediate  command,  he  continued  to 
augment  the  strength  of  his  lines  on  each  bank  of 
the  Mississippi.  From  his  uniform  language  and 
conduct  at  this  period,  it  would  appear  that  he  sup* 
[  posed  the  negociations  at  Ghent,  would  not  ter- 
minate amicably.  In  one  of  his  letters  to  Mr. 
Monroe,  the  Secretary  of  War,  he  says — "  In  my 
own  mind,  there  is  but  little  doubt,  that  his  [the 
British  commander's,]  last  exertions  have  been 
made  in  this  quarter,  at  any  rate  for  the  present  sea- 
son; and  by  the  next,  I  hope  we  shall  be  fully  prepa- 
red for  him."  In  another  one  he  says — "  Wherever 
I  command,  such  a  belief,  [that  the  enemy  would 
retire,]  shall  never  occasion  any  relaxation  in  the 
measures  of  resistance.  I  am  but  too  sensible 
that  the  moment  when  the  enemy  is  opposing  us,  is 
not  the  most  proper  to  provide  for  him." 

By  the  24th  of  January,  every  hostile,  foot  was 
driven  from  the  soil  of  Louisiana,  and  Geri.  Lam 
bert  and  his  army,  were  compelled  to  seek  for  safe- 
ty  in  the  fleet  of  Admiral  Cochrane,  and  even  that . 
was  compelled  to  keep  at  a  respectful  distance  from 
the  shores  o{  the  Republic. 

Before  the  8th  February,  the  British  forces  had 
positive  and  certain  intelligence,  that  a  treaty  of 
peace  between  America  and  Great  Britain,  had 
been  signed  by  the  commissioners  of  the  two  gov- 
ernments at  Ghent.  They  were  aware,  however, 
that  it  was  not  binding  until  ratifications  were  ex 
changed.     Anxious  to  wipe  off  the  indelible  d*s- 


356  MEMOIRS   01' 

grace  they  had  incurred  at  New  Orleans,  upon  the 
8th  of  January,  they  assailed  Fort  Bowyer,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Mobile,  upon  the  8th  February,  with 
their  whole  land  and  naval  forces.  The  gallant 
Lawrence  was  still  there  ;  but  resistance  would 
have  been  the  sacrifice  of  his  u  little  phalanx." 
He  surrendered  the  fort;  but  one  condition  was, 
that  the  Americans  should  march  out  of  it  4i  with 
;  colours  flying,  and  drums  beating — the  officers  ret  aim- 
ing their  swords," 

The  "  commanders  in  chief  of  his  Britannic  ma* 
jesty^s  land  and  naval  forces  upon  the  American 
station,"  are  welcome  to  all  the  little  glory  they 
claim,  for  taking  this  little  fort,  only  to  surrender 
it  up  again. 

Upon  the  13th  February,  Gen.  Jackson  was  ad- 
vised of  the  ratification  of  the  Treaty  of  Peace, 
by  an  express  from  the  War  Department.  The 
following  address  to  his  troops,  upon  ordering  thera 
to  be  marched  home,  will  always  be  read  with  de- 
light. 

"  The  major-general  is  at  length  enabled  to  per- 
form the  pleasing  task,  of  restoring  to  Tennessee, 
Kentucky,  Louisiana,  and  the  territory  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi, the  brave  troops  who  have  acted  such  a 
distinguished  part,  in  the  war  which  has  just  termin- 
ated. In  restoring  these  brave  men  to  their  homes, 
much  exertion  is  expected  of,  and  great  responsi- 
bility imposed  on,  the  commanding  officers  of  the 
different  corps.     It  is  required  of  Maj.  Gens.  Car- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  257 

v 

roll,  and  Thomas,  and  Brig,  Gen.  Coffee,  to  march 
their  commands,  without  unnecessary  delay,  to 
their  respective  states.  The  troops  from  the  Mis- 
sissippi Territory  and  state  of  Louisiana,  both  mili- 
tia and  volunteers,  will  be  immediately  mustered 
out  of  service,  paid,  and  discharged. 
i  The  major-general  has  the  satisfaction  of  announc- 
ing the  approbation  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  to  the  conduct  of  the  troops  under  his  com- 
mand, expressed  in  flattering  terms,  through  the  hon- 
ourable the  Secretary  of  War.  In  parting  with 
these  brave  men,  whose  destinies  have  been  so 
long  united  with  his  own,  and  in  whose  labours  and 
glories  it  is  his  happiness  and  his  boast  to  have  par- 
ticipated, the  commanding  general  can  neither 
suppress  his  feelings,  nor  give  utterance  to  them 
as  he  ought.  In  what  terms  can  he  bestow  suitable 
praise  on  merit  so  extraordinary,  so  unparalleled  ? 
Let  him,  in  one  burst  of  joy,  gratitude,  and  exulta- 
tion exclaim — these  are  the  saviours  of  their  coun- 
try— these  the  patriot  soldiers,  who  triumphed 
over  the  invincibles  of  Wellington,  and  conquer- 
ed the  conquerors  of  Europe  ! 

With  what  patience  did  you  submit  to  privations 
— with  what  fortitude  did  you  endure  fatigue— 
what  valour  did  you  display  in  the  day  of  battle  ! 
you  have  secured  to  America  a  proud  name  among 
the  nations  of  the  earth — a  glory  which  will  never 
perish.  Possessing  those  dispositions,  which  equal- 
ly adorn  the  citizen,  and  the  soldier,  the  expecta- 
22* 


258  MEMOIRS  Oil1 

tions  of  your  country  will  be  met  in  peace,  as  her 
wishes  have  been  gratified  in  war.  Go,  then,  my 
brave  companions,  to  your  homes  ;  to  those  tender 
connexions,  and  blissful  scenes,  which  render  life 
so  dear — full  of  honour,  and  crowned  with  laurels 
which  will  never  fade.  When  participating,  in  the 
bosoms  of  your  families,  the  enjoyment  of  peace- 
ful life,  with  what  happiness  will  you  not  look  back 
to  the  toils  you  have  borne — to  the  dangers  you 
have  encountered  ?  How  will  all  your  past  expo- 
sures be  converted  into  sources  of  inexpressible 
delight  ?  Who,  that  never  experienced  your  suffer- 
ings, will  be  able  to  appreciate  your  joys  ?  The 
man  who  slumbered  ingloriously  at  home,  during 
your  painful  marches,  your  nights  of  watchfulness? 
and  your  days  of  toil,  will  envy  you  the  happiness 
which  these  recollections  will  afford — still  more 
will  he  envy  the  gratitude  of  that  country,  which 
you  have  so  eminently  contributed  to  save.  Con- 
tinue, fellow-soldiers,  on  your  passage  to  your  sev- 
eral destinations,  to  preserve  that  subordination, 
that  dignified  and  manly  deportment,  which  have 
so  ennobled  your  character. 

While* -the  commanding  general  is  thus  giving 
indulgence  to  his  feelings,  towards  those  brave 
companions,  who  accompanied  him  through  diffi- 
culties and  danger,  he  cannot  permit  the  names  of 
Blount,  and  Shelby,  and  Holme*  >  to  pass  unnoticed. 
With  what  generous  ardour  and  patriotism,  have 
these  distinguished  governours  contributed  all  thek 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  259 

exertions,  and  the  success  which  has  resulted,  will 
be  to  them  a  reward  more  grateful,  than  any  which 
the  pomp  of  title,  or  the  splendour  of  wealth,  can 
bestow. 

What  happiness  it  is  to  the  commanding  general, 
that,  while  danger  was  before  him,  he  was,  on  no 
occasion,  compelled  to  use  towards  his  compan- 
ions in  arms,  either  severity  or  rebuke.  If,  after 
the  enemy  had  retired,  improper  passions  began 
their  empire  in  a  few  unworthy  bosoms,  and  rendered 
a  resort  to  energetic  measures  necessary  for  their 
suppression,  he  has  not  confounded  the  innocent 
with  the  guilty — the  seduced  with  the  seducers. 
Towards  you,  fellow-soldiers,  thof  most  cheering 
recollections  exist,  blended,  alas  !  with  regret,  that 
disease  and  war  should  have  ravished  from  us,  so 
many  worthy  companions.  But  the  memory  of 
the  cause  in  which  they  perished,  and  of  the  virtues 
which  animated  them,  while  living,  must  occupy 
the    place   where    sorrow   would   claim   to   dwell. 

Farewell,  fellow-soldiers.  The  expression  of  your 
general's  thanks  is  feeble,  but  the  gratitude  of  a 
country  of  freemen  is  yours — yours  the  applause 
of  an  admiring  world." 

In  this  address  to  the  troops,  the  solicitude  of 
Gen.  Jackson,  for  the  reputation  of  the  army,  is 
clearly  evinced.  Aware  that  the  exultation  they 
felt  from  the  victories  they  had  obtained,  and 
the  animation  that  aroused  them  to  enthusiasm,  at 
the  "  wreath  of  laurel"  bestowed  upon   them  by 


260  MEMOIRS  OF 

their  countrymen,  might  occasion  abberrations from 
the  regular  walk  of  sober  citizens,  he  exhorted  them 
not  to  tarnish  in  peace,  the  glory  they  had  acquired  in 
war.  The  troops  thus  dismissed  by  their  comman- 
der, had  to  march  from  five  to  eight  hundred  miles, 
before  they  reached  their  homes.  The  citizens, 
inhabiting  the  country  through  which  they  passed, 
so  far  from  treating  them  with  distant  coldness,  and 
extorting  from  them  the  pittance  they  had  obtained 
for  defending  the  Republic,  (conduct  not  unknown 
to  some  parts  of  America.)  received  them  with  un- 
bounded hospitality,  and  congratulated  them  as  the 
gallant  defenders  of  American  Independence, 


AXDKEW  JACKSOK. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Recapitulation  of  facts  relative  to  Proclamation  of  Mar- 
tial Law,  writ  of habeas  corpus,  Louaillier,  and  Judge 
Hall — Arrest  of  Gen.  Jackson — hh  defence,  con- 
viction, and  fine — Trial  by  jury — Popular  teelin^  — 
Moderation  of  Gen.  Jackson— he  advises  to  a  sacred 
regard  for  civil  power. 

IT  will  be  recollected  by  the  reader,  that  upon 
the  16th  December,  Gen.  Jackson  proclaimed  mar- 
tial law  in  New  Orleans,  and  in  the  environs  of  it. 
The  reasons  of  that  measure,  have  already  been 
briefly  given,  and  the  imperious  necessity  of  adopt- 
ing it,  demonstrated.  Next  to  the  efficient  mea- 
sures of  defence  below  the  city,  the  people  are 
indebted  to  the  temporary  execution  of  this  system 
of  government,  for  their  salvation  from  the  horrours 
of  British  invasion. 

That  the  military  power,  must  be  secondary  to 
the  civil,  is  an  axiom  in  our  Republic  generally 
assented  to>  That  they  are  both,  on  great  emer- 
gencies, to  support  the  honour,  dignity,  and  inde- 
pendence of  the  States,  is  a  sentiment  no  less  gen- 
erally prevalent.  It  is  a  principle,  that  may  be 
said  to  be  coeval  with  the  formation  of  civil 
government,  that  laws  are  silent  in  the  midst  of 
arms,  or  as  the  Romans  had  it,  "  leges  silent  inter 
armaS*  These  principles  are  each  to  have  an 
influence  upon  the  mind,  in  forming  an  opinion  of 
the  propriety  of  Gen.  Jackson's  conduct,  in  regard 


262  MEMOIRS   OF 

to  the  suppression  of  the  civil  authority  at  New 
Orleans,  and  the  legislature  of  Louisiana,  at  that 
time  in  session  there. 

Nothing  but  the  agitation  produced  at  the  ap- 
proach of  imminent  danger,  upon  fearful  minds, 
can  furnish  the  least  palliation  for  the  extraordinary 
course  pursued  by  the  city  police  of  New  Orleans, 
and  the  legislature  of  Louisiana,  during  the  most 
portentous  period  of  their  history,  ?.  e.  from  the 
16th  Dec.  1314,  to  the  middle  of  Feb.  1815.  These 
confident  assertions  would  not  be  made,  were 
they  not  susceptible  of  the  clearest  proof.  The 
existence  of  that  state  of  things  which  led  to  the 
declaration  of  martial  law,  by  Gen.  Jackson,  has 
been  partly  unfolded  by  presenting  the  reader  in  a 
preceding  chapter,  with  what  was  deemed  appro- 
priate extracts,  from  the  correspondence  of  Gov, 
Claiborne  writh  him.  This  evidence  must  be  com- 
pletely satisfactory,  as  it  was  derived  from  a  dis- 
tinguished civil  officer,  who  must,  with  distressing 
reluctance,  have  detailed  to  the  world,  the  melan- 
choly confession  of  facts  so  derogatory  to  the 
dignity  and  to  the  patriotism  of  the  legislature, 
over  whom  he  presided,  and  of  the  city  where 
they  were  in  session.  It  will  never,  however,  be  for- 
gotten, that  the  police  of  New  Orleans,  at  this  peril- 
ous period,  was  not  in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of 
a  great  proportion  of  its  patriotic  citizens  ;"  nor  did 
the  timorous  and  vascillating  policy  of  the  legisla- 
ture^ coincide  with  the  ardent  desires,  of  a  great 


ANDREW  JACKSON. 

number  of  its  members.  A  number  of  them  follow- 
ed the  governour  from  the  house  of  legislation,  to 
the  camp  of  Gen.  Jackson,  and  shewed  that  they 
felt  more  solicitous  to  preserve  their  state  from 
the  contaminating  footsteps  of  a  barbarous  enemy, 
than  to  remain  in  conclave,  debating  upon  questions 
of  punctiliious  etiquette,  between  the  civil  and 
military  powers. 

It  has  already  been  stated,  that  a  majority  of  the 
senate  and  house  of  representatives,  in  the  state 
legislature  of  Louisiana,  were  opposed  to  the  re- 
quisitions which  Gov.  Claiborne  had  made  upon 
the  Louisiana  militia.  The  patriotism  of  the  mi- 
litia, however,  was  not  to  be  damped  by  a  legisla- 
tive veto,  and  they  followed  their  patriotic  governour 
to  the  field  ;  and  while  they  were  repelling  the 
tremendous  assault  of  the  enemy,  upon  the  28th 
Dec.  with  their  brave  countrymen  from  Tennessee, 
Kentucky,  and  Mississippi,  the  legislature  were 
actually  engaged  in  debating  the  question,  whether 
they  should  not  surrender  the  capital  aud  the  state, 
to  the  British  army — and  make  the  best  terms  they 
could  with  Sir  Edward  Pakenham ! !  Gen.  Jackson 
ordered  Gov.  Claiborne,  to  repair  to  the  city  with 
a  requisite  number  of  troops,  to  preserve  it  from 
the  danger  of  their  own  legislature,  while  he  would 
defend  it  from  the  enemy  hanging  upon  its  borders. 
This  order  was  promptly  executed,  and  the  legisla- 
ture, by  their  own  governour,  was  prevented  from 
sacrificing  the  city  as  a  victim  to  their  own  frars. 


264  MEMOIRS  OF 

To  see  a  state  legislature  gravely  taking  measures 
tonegociate  with  the  enemy  of  the  whole  Republic, 
evinced  almosta  complete  deterioration  of  intellect. 
The  commander  of  the  forces,  so  far  as  his  power 
extends,  is  the  only  representative  of  the  national 
power — he  only  must  be  the  judge  of  what  will  con- 
duce to  the  safety  of  the  country,  he  commands ;  and 
he  only  is  accountable  for  the  measures  that  may 
be  adopted.  If  New  Orleans  had  been  sacrificed 
by  the  commander,  in  a  manner  as  dastardly  as  was 
Detroit,  the  same  disgrace  would  now  have  been  at- 
tached to  the  name  of  Jackson,  as  there  is  to  that  of 
Hull  ;  but  by  defending  it  against  the  power  of  the 
enemy  ;  the  intrigues  of  some  of  its  citizens,  and 
the  feverish  agitation  of  the  legislature,  he  has 
placed  himself  beyond  the  reach  of  rivalship,  upon 
the  rolls  of  fame. 

Without  pursuing  this  subject  farther,  the  rea- 
der is  now  called  to  leave  the  legislature  of  Louisia- 
na, in  1814 — 15,  where  facts  have  left  it,  and  follow 
Gen.  Jackson  from  the  solemn  scene  of  thanks- 
giving  to  heaven,  and  the  acclamations  of  a  preserv- 
ed people  for  victories  obtained,  to  answer  for  his 
military  conduct  before  a  judicial  tribunal.  To  a 
believer  in  the  doctrine  of  decrees,  it  wculd  seem 
to  have  been  fore-ordained,  that  Andrew  Jackson 
should  be  the  instrument  of  procuring  the  greatest 
temporal  blessings  for  his  country  ;  and  that  the  in- 
gratitude of  republics  should  have  made  him,  in 
$ome  respects,  a  signal  instance,  to  show  that  they 
are  still  ungrateful. 


INI&tEW  JACKSON.  iGo 

Gen.  Jackson  found  himself  under  the  imperious 
necessity  of  continuing  the  execution  of  martial 
law,  until  the  enemy  had  totally  abandoned  his  hos- 
tile views  against  New  Orleans  and  Mobile  ;  or  un- 
til the  rumours  of  peace  were  confirmed  by  official 
communications  from  the  War  Department.  Upon 
the  first  circulation  of  these  rumours,  the  troops 
evinced  the  utmost  impatience,  and  a  spirit  of  in- 
subordination pervaded  the  army  before  New  Or- 
leans. From  his  knowledge  of  the  innumerable 
stratagems  of  the  enemy,  to  gain,  by  the  policy  of 
war,  what  they  dispaired  of  acquiring  by  the  force 
of  arms,  Gen.  Jackson  was  apprehensive  that  they 
had  devised  this  report,  to  lull  the  soldiers  and  citi- 
zens into  a  fatal  security,  and  to  take  the  first  fa- 
vourable opportunity  that  offered,  to  invade  the 
country,  and  subject  it  to  British  dominion. 

A  member  of  the  legislature,  by  the  name  of 
Louaillier,  had  published  in  a  New  Orleans'  Ga- 
zette, an  article  calculated  to  excite  rebellion  in 
the  American  army,  and  to  encourage  the  enemy 
to  renew  their  attack.  Gen.  Jackson  immediately 
ordered  him  to  be  arrested  and  confined.  Mr. 
Dominic  A.  Hall,  judge  of  the  district,  immediately 
issued  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus,  directed  to  Gen. 
Jackson,  commanding  him  to  show  reasons  for  the 
detention  of  this  legislator.  The  general,  knowing 
that  his  appearance  before  his  troops,  in  a  time  of 
danger,  was  of  more  consequence  to  his  country, 
than  his  appearance  before  a  judge,  who  was  en- 
c23 


266  MEMOIRS  OP 

deavouring,  by  the  exercise  of  judicial  power,  to  pro- 
tect a  domestic  enemy,  immediately  ordered  Judge 
Hall  to  be  arrested  and  sent  out  of  the  city.  The 
trial  was  postponed  until  the  country  was  secured. 

In  a  very  few  days  after  this  commencement  of 
war  between  the  military  power  of  the  American 
Republic,  and  the  judicial  authority  at  New  Orleans, 
peace  was  officially  announced  to  Gen.  Jackson, 
from  th «  War  Department,  "  between  His  Britannic 
Majesty  and  the  United  States,  and  between  their  res- 
pective countries,  territories,  cities,  towns,  and  peo- 
ple, of  every  degree,  without  exception  of  places  or 
persons."  The  joy  that  filled  every  heart  at  the 
return  of  peace,  was  mingled  with  gratitude  to 
Gen.  Jackson,  his  long  tried,  brave,  and  patriotic 
officers,  and  gallant  soldiers,  for  their  protection  in 
time  of  war.  But  amidst  this  exhilarating  scene, 
the  sullen  murmurs  of  disappointed  faction,  were 
heard  in  discordant  notes  ;  and  the  very  men  who 
were  indebted  to  Gen.  Jackson  and  his  army,  for 
the  preservation  of  their  lives,  fortunes  and  fami- 
lies, seemed  to  be  actuated  by  the  bitterest  malice 
against  him. 

It  was  upon  the  11th  March,  that  Judge  Hall, 
was  removed  from  New  Orleans — upon  the  13th, 
the  ratification  of  the  treaty  of  Ghent,  was  officially 
announced  there — upon  the  19th,  military  opera- 
tions were  brought  to  a  close  between  the  two 
armies — and  upon  the  3 1st,  Gen.  Jackson  was 
arrested  and  brought  before  the  same  Judge  Hall, 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  267 

to  answer  for  his  contempt  of  the  court,  for  not 
answering,  instanter,  to  the  habeas  corpus,  a*id  for 
imprisoning  the  Judge  who  issued  it  !!  From  the 
nature  of  the  subject,  and  the  mode  of  proceeding, 
this  may  be  pronounced  by  the  legal  profession,  to 
be  causa  primce  impressionism 

Called  thus  suddenly  from  the  encampment  of 
an  army,  before  a  court  of  law.  Gen,  Jackson  di- 
vested himself  of  the  stern  character  of  the  soldier, 
and  resumed  the  more  gentle  one  of  the  advocate — 
not  to  defend  a  client,  as  he  often  had  done,  against 
groundless  charges  ;  but  to  save  himself  from  the 
vengeance  of  infuriated  malice.  The  defence  he 
made,  has  been  before  the  public,  ever  sincr;  he 
made  it.  It  is  a  source  of  regret,  that  the  insertion 
of  it  entire,  cannot  be  made.  It  comprises  not 
only  the  facts  upon  which  it  was  grounded,  but  a 
profound  disquisition  upon  the  civil  and  military 
power,  in  a  time  of  imminent  danger.  The  follow- 
ing selections  from  it  will  show  the  reasons,  in  addi- 
tion to  those  already  given,  why  he  proclaimed  and 
enforced  marshal  law — imprisoned  a  legislative 
scribbler — neglected  to  regard  a  writ  of  habeas  cor- 
pus, and  compelled  the  judge  who  issued  it,  to  leave 
the  city  of  New  Orleans.  In  this  defence,  the  gen- 
eral says — 

"  A  disciplined,  and  powerful  army  was  on  ouu 
coast,  commanded  by  officers  of  tried  valour,   and 
consummate  skill ;  their  fleet  had  already  destroyed 
the  feeble  defence,  on  which,  alone,  wecouW  rdv 
to  prevent  their  landing  on  our  shores. 


268  MEMOIRS  OF 

Their  point  of  attack  was  uncertain— a  hundred 
inlets  were  to  be  guarded,  by  a  force  not  sufficient 
in  number  for  one  5  we  had  no  lines  of  defence  ; 
treason  lurked  amongst  us,  and  only  waited  the  mo- 
ment of  expected  defeat,  to  show  itself  openly. 

Our  men  were  few,  and  of  those  few,  not  all 
were  armed  ;  our  utter  ruin  if  we  failed,  at  hand, 
and  inevitable  :  everything  depended  on  the  prompt 
and  energetic  use  of  the  means  we  possesed,  in 
calling  the  whole  force  of  the  community  into  ac- 
tion ;  it  was  a  contest  for  the  very  existence  of 
the  state,  and  every  nerve  was  to  be  strained  in 
its  defence.  The  physical  force  of  every  indivi- 
dual, his  rnorp,!  faculties,  his  property,  and  the  ener- 
gy^ his  example,  were  to  be  called  into  action, 
and  instant  action.  No  delay — no  hesitation — no 
inquiry  about  rights,  or  all  was  lost  ;  and  every 
thing  dear  to  man,  his  property,  life,  the  honour 
of  his  family,  his  country,  its  constitution  and 
laws,  were  swept  away  by  the  avowed  principles, 
the  open  practice  of  the  enemy,  with  whom  we 
had  to  contend.  Fortifications  were  to  be  erected, 
supplies  procured,  arms  sought  for,  requisitions 
made,  the  emissaries  of  the  enemy  watched,  lurking 
treason  overawed,  insubordination  punished,  and 
the  contagion  of  cowardly  example  to  be  stopped. 

In  this  crisis,  and  under  a  firm  persuasi  m  that 
none  of  those  objects  could  be  effected  by  the 
exercise  of  the  ordinary  powers  confided  to  him — 
under  a  solemn  conviction  that   the  country  com- 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  269 

mitted  to  his  care,  could  be  saved  by  that  measure 
only,  from  utter  ruin — under  a  religious  belief, 
that  he  was  performing  the  most  important  and 
sacred  duty,  the  respondent  proclaimed  martial 
law.  He  intended,  by  that  measure,  to  supersede 
such  civil  powers,  as  in  their  operation,  interfered 
with  those  he  was  obliged  to  exercise.  He  thought, 
in  such  a  moment,  constitutional  forms  must  be 
suspended,  for  the  permanent  preservation  of  con- 
stitutional rights,  and  that  there  could  be  no  ques- 
tion, whether  it  were  best  to  depart,  for  a  moment, 
from  the  enjoyment  of  our  dearest  privileges,  or 
have  them  wrested  from  us  forever.  He  knew, 
that  if  the  civil  magistrate  were  permitted  to  exer- 
cise his  usual  functions,  none  of  the  measures  neces- 
sary to  avert  the  awful  fate  that  threatened  us,  could 
be  expected.  Personal  liberty  cannot  exist  at  a 
time  when  every  man  is  required  to  become  a 
soldier.  Private  property  cannot  be  secured,  when 
its  use    is  indispensable   to  the  public  safety. 

Unlimited  liberty  of  speech  is  incompatible  with 
the  discipline  of  a  camp  :  and  that  of  the  press, 
more  dangerous  still,  when  made  the  vehicle  of 
conveying  intelligence  to  the  enemy,  or  exciting 
mutiny  among  the  troops.  To  have  suffered  the 
uncontrolled  enjoyment  of  any  of  those  rights,  du- 
ring the  time  of  the  late  invasion,  would  have 
been  to  abandon  the  defence  of  the  country.  The 
civil  magistrate  is  the  guardian  of  those  rights  -e 
but  no  further.55 

23* 


270  MEMOIRS  OF 

In  perusing  the  preceding  extract,  the  reader 
must  feel  a  pride  in  reflecting,  that  Gen.  Jackson, 
and  many  other  officers  in  the  army  of  the  Re- 
public, have  acquired  the  science  of  Statesmen, 
as  well  as   the  fame  of  Soldiers. 

The  general,  in  his  masterly  defence,  minutely 
and  forcibly  assigns  the  reasons  for  the  course 
he  pursued  in  regard  to  Louaillier,  the  writ  of 
habeas  corpus,  and  Judge  Hall  ;  and   proceeds — 

"  To  have  silently  looked  on  such  an  offence, 
without  making  any  attempt  to  punish  it,  would 
have  been  a  formal  surrender  of  all  discipline,  all 
order,  all  personal  dignity, and  public  safety.  This 
could  not  be  done  ;  and  the  respondent  immediate- 
ly ordered  the  arrest  of  the  offender.  A  writ  of 
habeas  corpus  was  directed  to  issue  for  his  enlarge- 
ment. The  very  case  which  had  been  foreseen  ; 
the  very  contingency  on  which  martial  law  was 
intended  to  operate,  had  now  occurred.  The 
oivil  magistrate  seemed  to  think  it  his  duty,  to  en- 
force the  enjoyment  of  civil  rights,  although  the 
%  consequences  which  have  been  described,  would 
probably  have  resulted.  An  unbending  sense  of 
what  he  seemed  to  think  his  station  required,  indu- 
ced him  to  order  the  liberation  of  the  prisoner. 
This,  under  the  respondent's  sense  of  duty,  produ- 
ced a  conflict,  which   it  was   his   wish  to  avoid* 

No  other  course  remained,  than  to  enforce  the 
principles  which  he  had  laid  down  as  his  guide, 
and  to  suspend  the  exercise  of  the  judicial  powerr 


ANDREW  JACKSON*  27$ 

whenever  it  interfered  with  the  necessary  means 
of  defence.  The  only  way  effectually  to  do  this, 
was  to  place  the  judge  in  a  situation,  in  which  his 
interference  could  not  counteract  the  measures 
of  defence,  or  give  countenance  to  the  mutinous 
disposition  that  had  shown  itself  in  so  alarming 
a  degree.  Merely  to  have  disregarded  the  writ, 
would  have  increased  the  evil,  and  to  have  obeyed 
it,  was  wholly  repugnant  to  the  respo  -de  t's  ideas 
of  the  public  safety,  and  to  his  own  sense  of  duty. 
The  judge  was  therefore  confined,  and  removed  be- 
yond the  lines  of  defence.7' 

After  denying  the  jurisdiction  of  the  court,  and 
claiming,  as  a  constitutional  right,  a  trial  by  jury$ 
he  thus  concludes  a  defence,  which  the  jurist  may 
read  with  advantage,  and  the  patriot  with  ad- 
miration. 

"  This  was  the  conduct  of  the  respondent,  and 
these  the  motives  which  prompted  it.  They  have 
been  fairly  and  openly  exposed,  to  this  tribunal, 
and  to  the  world,  and  would  not  have  been  ac- 
companied by  any  exceptions  or  waiver  of  jurisdic- 
tion, if  it  had  been  deemed  expedient  to  give  him 
that  species  of  trial,  to  which  he  thinks  himself 
entitled  by  the  constitution  of  his  country. 

The  powers  which  the  exigency  of  the  times 
forced  him  to  assume,  have  been  exercised  ex- 
clusively for  the  public  good  5  and,  by  the  bles- 
sing of  God,  they  have  been  attended  with  un- 
paralleled success.  They  have  saved  the  country  ; 


$72  MEMOIRS    OP 

and  whatever  may  be  the  opinion  of  that  country, 
or  the  decrees  of  its  courts,  in  relation  to  the 
means  he  has  used,  he  can  never  regret  that  he 
employed  them." 

The  trial  by  jury,  however  much  it  maybe  sneer- 
ed at,  by  the  possessors  and  advocates  of  undefined 
power,  has  secured  to  Englishmen  the  few  rights 
remaining  to  them.  To  Americans,  it  is  secured 
by  our  inimitable  Constitution  ;  but  in  the  instance 
before  the  reader,  it  was  refused  to  Gen.  Jackson, 
by  calling  in  th<;  aid  of  the  common  law  of  England, 
to  insure  the  conviction  of  the  respondent  for  con- 
tempt of  court  !  !  Dominic  A.  Hall  was  the  judge 
whose  dignity  was  alledged  to  be  affected  by  con- 
tempt of  court — Dominic  A.  Hall  was  the  man  who 
was  said  to  have  sustained  an  individual  injury  by 
the  operation  of  martial  law— Dominic  A.  Hall 
was  the  judge  who  would  have  jurisdiction  of  the 
case — who  deprived  Gen.  Jackson  of  a  trial  by 
jury,  and  who  amerced  him  in  a  fine  of  a  thousand 
dollars  !  Ha^f  of  this  sum  must  have  been  expended  in 
delays,  costs  of  prosecution,  and  in  the  expenses  of 
making  defence,  and  the  whole* fifteen  hundred  dol- 
lars, was  drawn  out  of  the  pocket  of  the  man  whose 
indefatigable  exertions,  consummate  wisdom,  and 
gallant  courage,  had  secured  to  the  judge  the  privi- 
lege of  convicting  him. 

The  records  of  Judge  Jeffery  himself,  scarcely 
furnishes  a  parallel  with  this  proceeding.  An 
English  jury,   saved  Ptnn  and  Meade— afterwards 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  273 

the  Dean  of  St.  Asaph,  and  in  the  present  reign, 
Tooke,  Hardy,  and  Thelwell,  from  the  grasp  of  a  vin- 
dictive ministry,  and  subservient  judiciary  ;  and  had 
Gen.  Jackson  been  arraigned  before  an  impartial 
and  an  independent  Jury  of  Americans,  allowed  to 
consider  his  whole  case,  with  what  readiness  would 
they  have  pronounced  a  verdict  of"  not  guilty," 
and  changed  the  indignant  murmurs  of  the  audience 
at  his  conviction,  into  joyous  acclamations  at  his 
acquittal. 

Gen.  Jackson  immediately  satisfied  the  judg- 
ment, and  retired  from  the  court  to  his  carriage. 
The  throng  that  surrounded  the  hall  of  justice,  could 
not  repress  their  feelings.  The  horses  were  un- 
harnessed— the  carriage  elevated  upon  their  shoul- 
ders, and  the  Hero  of  New  Orleans,  was,  in  this 
manner,  borne  through  the  streets  to  his  lodgings. 
by  its  protected  and  secured  citizens.  Flattering 
as  was  this  demonstration  of  respect  and  admira- 
tion for  him,  the  general  was  apprehensive  that  it 
was  evincive  of  some  disrespect  for  civil  power,  and 
addressed  them,  in  the  most  pathetic  manner. 
This  address  is  before  the  writer  ;  but  its  length 
forbids  its  insertion.  He  acknowledged  the  civili- 
ty of  the  people,  not  with  the  studied  formality  of 
fashionable  etiquette,  but  with  the  impassioned  elo- 
quence of  the  heart.  He  exhorted  the  people  whom 
he  loved,  and  who  almost  adored  him,  not  to  suffer 
the  ebullitions  of  passion,  to  make  then  forget  ihe 
respect  due    to  civil  authority.     They  offered  to 


S74  MEMOIRS  OF 

pay  the  amount  of  the  fine  inflicted  upon  him,  but 
he  declined  receiving  it ;  and  retired  to  his  lodgings 
with  the  unassumed  dignity  of  conscious  integrity. 

It  is  with  pride,  mingled  with  veneration,  that 
the  writer  is  enabled  thus  to  furnish  the  reader  with 
conclusive  evidence,  of  the  dignified  moderation  of 
a  conqueror,  who  conqered,  not  to  aggrandize  him- 
self, but  to  render  secure  that  independence  ac- 
quired by  his  countrymen.  Although  by  military 
power,  he  had  saved  an  important  section  of  the  Re- 
public, and  secured  the  enjoyment  of  civil  power  ^ 
he  was  conscious  that  the  first  was.  and  must  be, 
in  a  free  government,  superiour  to  the  last  ;  and  if, 
by  a  civil  or  judicial  functionary,  he  had  sustained 
what  his  countrymen  deemed  an  injury,  he  was  con- 
scious that  it  was  far  preferable  to  suffer  himself, 
and  to  have  errors  of  judgment  overlooked,  than 
to  have  the  civil  institutions  of  his  country  disre- 
garded. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  275 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


Gen.  Jackson  retires  from  New  Orleans — arrives  at 
Nashville,  his  place  of  residence — Reflection — He 
receives  a  message  to  repair  to  the  seat  of  government,, 
to  assist  in  arranging  the  Peace  Establishment  of  the 
U.  S.  army — Difficulty  of  that  duty— Votes  <»f  thanks 
&c.  to  Gen.  Jackson — He  repairs  to  the  seat  o»  gov- 
ernment— Civilities  received  upon  his  passage,  and 
on  his  arrival — Returns  to  his  head-quarters  at  Nash- 
ville, and  in  1816,  repairs  to  New  Orleans,  and  ar- 
ranges the  army. 

GEN.  JACKSON,  having  preserved  the  military 
district  assigned  to  his  command,  from  invasion — - 
having  defended  it  against  a  force  which  the  enemy 
supposed  irresistible,  and  his  countrymen  alarm- 
ingly formidable — having  restored  his  gallant  army- 
to  the  fire-sides  rendered  safe  by  their  valour — 
having  submitted  to  the  adjudication  of  a  civil 
tribunal,  and  complied  with  its  decision,  he  had 
an  opportunity  to  enjoy  that  repose  to  which 
he  had  long  been  a  stranger,  and  which  was  now 
rendered  secure  from  the  disturbance  of  savage 
and  civilized  foes.  He  beheld  an  immense  por- 
tion of  the  Republic,  which  was  recently  in  danger 
of  subjugation,  by  a  power  whose  ambition  is  as 
boundless  as  its  cupidity,  enjoying  in  security,  the 
blessings  of  the  American  Constitution. 

It  is  utterly  impossible  to  describe  by  language, 
the  emotions  of  the  heart  upon  this  occasion — de- 
scription lags  far  behind  reality,  and  its  power  is 


276  MEMOIRS  OF 

impotency  itself.  Surrounded  by  a  recently  alarm 
ed,  and  now  a  secured  people,  whose  hearts  were 
swollen  with  gratitude,  and  whose  eyes  were 
swimming  in  tears  of  joy,  he  stood  amidst  the 
citizens  of  New  Orleans,  like  a  father  in  the 
midst  of  a  family,  who  owed  their  temporal  feli- 
city to  his  assiduous  labours,  The  females  of  the 
Gity,  who  owed  their  lives,  and  what  was  dearer, 
their  honour,  to  his  courage,  in  impressive  silence, 
evinced  their  gratitude  to  their  "  Patron  and 
Friend/' 

".A  glance  sends  volumes  to  the  heart, 
u  While  words  impassioned  die.1" 

Gen.  Jackson  had  a  family  eight  hundred  miles 
distant,  from  which  he  had  long  been  separated, 
aod  to  which  he  was  impelled,  by  the  most  affec- 
tionate attachment,  to  return.  He  left  New  Or- 
leans, with  the  blessings  of  its  citizens  for  his 
wisdom  and  courage  in  defending  them,  and  with 
their  prayers  for  his  happiness.  In  the  long  dis- 
tance of  country  through  which  he  passed  to  his 
residue e  at  Nashville,  he  was  every  where  receiv- 
ed by  the  people,  with  the  most  enthusiastic  de- 
monstrations of  respect ;  and  greeted  as  the  great 
instrument  in  the  ha  ids  of  heaven,  of  preserving 
their  country  from  British  outrage,  and  British  do- 
minion. It  was  the  only  reward  they  couM  bestow, 
ami  the  most  grateful  one  he  could  receive.  In 
every  heart,  a  monument  was  erected  to  his  glory 
jpon  the  foundation  of  gratitude,  which  will  never 


ANDREW  JACKSQK'.  c2l% 

be  shaken  ;  but  which  will  be  transmitted  from  the 
bosom  of  the  sire  to  the  son,  through  all  the  distant 
ages  of  posterity. 

He  arrived  at  Nashville  upon  the  1 5th  May,  1815. 
Twenty-seven  years  before,  he  arrived  here  at  the 
age  of  twenty-four  years,  an  insulated  being,  rely- 
ing solely  upon  his  own  exertions  and  the  smiles 
of  heaven,  for  his  establishment  in  life.  He  ra- 
pidly advanced  in  fame,  as  the  country  with  rapidi- 
ty, advanced  to  civilization — he  literally  "grew  with 
the  growth,  and  strengthened  with  the  strength*' 
of  the  people  of  Tennessee.  He  had  gone  hand 
in  hand  with  his  fellow  citizens,  in  protecting  the 
territory  and  the  state,  from  the  barbarous  carnage 
of  savpges,  and  securing  the  rude  cottage  of  the 
early  settler  from  conflagration,  and  his  family 
from  massacre.  He  had  seen  an  expanded  wil- 
derness, where  the  majestic  silence  of  nature  w  as 
broken  only  by  the  howling  of  beasts,  the  yells 
of  savages,  and  the  tumbling  of  waters,  converted 
into  a  region  of  civilization,  where  the  arts,  so 
conducive  to  the  happiness  of  man,  and  the  sci- 
ences, which  enlarges  his  veiws,  were  practised  and 
taught.  He  had  seen,  in  the  space  of  a  quarter 
of  a  century,  a  new  people  arise  in  a  new  country, 
to  an  elevation  equal  to  that  of  many  portions  of 
the  globe,  which  have  enjoyed  the  inestimable 
blessings  of  civilization  for  many  centuries.  He 
had   seen  a  constitution  established  to  secure   the 

rights  of  the  people — courts  instituted  to  admini?- 
24 


2.73  MEMOIRS  OF 

ter  justice,  and  three  universities  founded  to  diffuse 
the  lights  of  science.  He  had  sustained  many  im- 
portant offices  in  the  state,  and  had  represented  it 
in  both  branches  of  the  national  government,  and 
had  laboured  to  render  the  civil,  religious,  and  po- 
litical rights  of  the  people  secure.  To  protect 
these  enjoyments,  he  had,  at  the  call  of  his  fellow- 
citizens,  led  them  into  the  heart  of  a  country  of 
savages,  and  conquered  them  into  peace.  He 
.also  had  led  them  into  the  face  of  the  most  for- 
midable and  best  disciplined  army,  that  ever  as- 
sailed the  American  Republic,  and  compelled  those 
of  them  who  were  not  left  to  moulder  in  the  soil 
they  invaded,  to  flee  from  destruction.  At  Nash- 
ville, he  found  himself  surrounded  by  his  grateful 
fellow-citizens,  in  the  enjoyment  of  peace  and  hap- 
piness ;  and  by  his  accomplished  officers  and  gallant 
soldiers  who  had,  by  their  courage,  rendered  them  se- 
cure. Terrestrial  regions  could  not  afford  a  scene 
more  impressively  interesting.  In  Gen.  Jackson5 
the  people  recognized  a  Statesman,  whose  laborious 
an  i  scientific  exertions  had  conduced  greatly  to 
the  security  of  their  political  rights  ;  and  a  Soldier* 
whose  valour  had  defended  them  from  violation. 
In  the  people  who  now  surrounded  him,  the  general 
recognized  virtuous  and  industrious  citizens,  and 
faithful  and  gallant  soldiers. 

Gen.  Jackson  had  received  a  message,  some 
time  previous  to  his  arrival  at  Nashville,  to  repair 
to  the  seat  of  government,  to  render  that  assistapce 


ANDREW  JACKS0N.  27jJ 

which  his  knowledge  and  experience  enabled  him  to 
afford,  in  organizing  a  peace  establishment  in  the 
army  of  the  Republic,  Indispensable  duties,  in  the 
district  under  his  command,  rendered  a  compliance 
impossible. 

The  task  which  devolved  upon  the  War,  and 
the  other  Departments  of  the  government,  in  disband- 
ing an  army,  which,  in  the  last  campaign  of  the  war, 
had  every  where  covered  itself  with  glory,  was  im- 
portant arid  delicate  in  the  extreme*  To  the  pri- 
vate soldier,  whose  toils  had  been  severe,  whose 
privations  had  been  hard,  and  whose  reward  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  war  was  ample,  to  be  restored  to 
private  life,  was  a  gratification.  But  to  officers, 
from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  grade,  who  entered 
the^  service,  more  for  the  acquisition  of  fame  than 
fortune — who  had  left  promising  prospects  in  pri- 
vate life,  to  defend  their  endangered  country — -for 
such  men  to  be  dismissed  from  the  service,  with 
which  they  had  become  familiar,  and  be  compelled 
to  return  again  to  the  dull  pursuits  of  civil  life, 
which  has  but  few  charms  for  the  soldier,  was  a 
difficult,  although  a  necessary  duty. 

The  American  Republic  is  not  a  military  govern- 
ment— and  an  overgrown  standing  army  in  a  time  of 
peace,  cannot  be  maintained. 

From  the  immense  extent  of  the  country — from 
the  number  of  its  forts  on  the  sea-board,  and  frorir 
tier,  a  small  standing  force  is  necessary,  and  a  small 
ene  only,  in  a  time  of  peace,  will  be  endured    by 


-80  MEMOIRS   OF 

the  people.  Conversant  with  the  history  of  an- 
cient and  modern  military  governments,  the  Ameri- 
can people  are  jealous  of  military  power.  A  ne- 
cessary military  force  will  always  be  supported— a 
supernumerary  army,  will  always  be  considered  and 
opposed,  as  dangerous.  At  the  conclusion  of  the 
second  war  between  the  American  Republic,  and 
the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  the  government  de- 
cided that  ten  thousand  troops,  properly  proportion- 
ed, as  to  officers  and  soldiers,  should  constitute  the 
peace  establishment — probably  the  smallest  stand- 
ing army,  considering  the  extent,  population,  and 
importance  of  the  country,  in  any  nation  in  the 
world.  Many  ofiicers,  who  would  have  adorned 
any  army,  must  have  been  dismissed  by  the  reduc- 
tion of  the  American  army,  from  the  war  to  the  peace 
establishment. 

The  whole  of  the  Republic  was  divided  into  izoo 
divisions,  ordepartments — the  South,  and  the  North, 
Maj.  Gen.  Jackson  was  appointed  commander  in 
chief  of  the  Division  of  the  South.  His  appoint- 
ment to  this  important  command,  met  with  the  ap- 
probation of  the  country.  His  ability  to  com- 
mand, had  been  proved  by  obtaining  a  series  of  vic- 
tories, over  the  most  warlike  tribe  of  savages,  and 
the  best  disciplined  armies  in  the  world,  under  the 
most  disadvantageous  circumstances. 

Gen.  Jackson,  established  his  head-quarters  at 
Nashville,  where  he  was  constantly  receiving  the 
rnost  unequivocal  evidence  of  the  gratitude  of  his 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  U&l 

countrymen.  Minute  details  are  incompatible  with 
the  limits  of  this  work  ;  otherwise  the  reader  might 
be  furnished  with  the  proceedings  of  various  legis- 
latures, in  passing  votes  of  thanks,  expressed  in  the 
strongest  terms  of  approbation.  A  vote  of  thanks, 
although  unaccompanied  with  any  pecuniary  favour, 
is,  to  a  disinterested  patriot,  the  highest  rewrard  he 
can  receive.  The  legislature  of  Tennessee,  were 
amongst  the  first  to  manifest  their  respect  for  the 
character  and  achievements  of  Gen.  Jackson.  They 
passed  a  vote  of  thanks,  and  presented  him  with  a 
gold  medal.  They  could  not  forget  his  gallant 
associates,  Gen.  Coffee,  and  Carroll,  to  whom  they 
presented  elegant  swords. 

A  British  parliament,  when  it  bestows  the  title  of 
%.duke,  also  drains  the  treasury,  to  purchase  a  duke- 
dom for  the  ennobled  subject,  and  compels  the  hum- 
ble subjects  to  refund  it,  by  imposing  exorbitant 
taxes.  The  American  government,  although  just 
to  its  distinguished  citizens  and  soldiers,  cannot  be 
generous  at  the  expence  of  the  zvholc  of  them. 
Gen.  Washington,  in  the  first  war  between  the 
Republic  and  Britain,  thought  nothing  of  pecunia- 
ry reward,  nor  did  Gen.  Jackson  in  the  second;  but 
the  one  could  not  have  been,  and  the  other  cannot 
be,  indifferent  to  the  grateful  applause  of  indepen- 
dent and  protected  Americans. 

Although  Gen.  Jackson,  in  early  life,  felt  little 
solicitude  for  the  accumulation  or  preservation  of 
wealth,  he  nevertheless,  after  he  commenced  busi- 
24* 


IttEMOtaS   OF 

ness  at  Nashville,  acquired  by  industry,  and  Saved 
by  frugality,  a  fine  real  estate,  delightfully  situated 
upon  the  bank  of  the  Cumberland  riven  To  thi? 
he  might  have  retired,  had  he  left  the  service,  and 
have  enjoyed  an  elegant  independence.  He  might 
have  surveyed  his  tenements  and  fertile  fields,  and 
have  exclaimed,  with  exquisite  delight,  "  these 
were  acquired  by  my  labour — these  were  defend- 
ed by  my  valour,  and  here  I  can  enjoy  domestic  fe- 
licity in  safety."  But  although  the  Republic  was 
at  peace  with  all  the  world,  it  could  not  dispense 
with  the  military  services  of  this  great  Command- 
er. He  was  retailed  in  the  service,  not  like  a 
pensioned  duke,  with  a  numerous  pensioned  reti- 
nue, to  excite  the  unmeaning  admiration  of  a  de- 
graded peasantry,  but  to  perfect  a  military  system 
for  his  country.  The  division  assigned  to  his  com- 
mand, is  larger  than  half  of  Europe,  and  requires 
the  most  consummate  skill  in  the  commander,  to 
place  it  in  a  situation  to  repel  future  invasions. 

Late  in  the  autumn  of  1815,  Gen.  Jackson  re- 
paired, for  the  first  time  since  the  declaration  of 
war,  to  the  seat  of  government.  Upon  his  passage 
thither,  he  received  that  marked  attention,  which  a 
grateful  and  an  admiring  people  bestow,  upon  a 
distinguished  benefactor.  Although  in  time  of  war, 
he  avoided  all  parade  and  ceremonies  inconsistent 
with  the  imperious  demands  of  duty,  yet  he  could 
not,  at  this  period,  avoid  a  compliance  with  the 
wishes  of  his  countrymen,  to  mingle  with  their  gal^ 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  888 

lant  defenders  ;  nor  could  he  avoid  areciprocatioa 
of  their  civility  and  hospitality. 

At  Lynchburgh,  in  Virginia,  a  public  dinner  was 
given  him,  at  which  the  philosopher  of  Monticello, 
Thomas  Jefferson,  was  present.  The  veneration 
that  was  excited  by  the  presence  of  the  American 
Statesman,  could  hardly  restrain  the  enthusiasm 
produced  by  the  presence  of  the  American  Hero. 
Although  far  removed  from  the  deeply  interesting 
scenes  of  Gen.  Jackson's  military  operations,  the 
people  of  this  place  and  its  vicinity,  duly  appre- 
ciated his  exalted  merit.  Toasts  have  been  said  to 
discover  the  undisguised  sentiments  of  the  people  5 
and  it  is  presumed  the  toast  given  upon  this  occasion, 
in  reference  to  Gen.  Jackson,  by  Mr.  Jefferson, 
will  be  cordially  assented  to,  by  every  American — 

"  Honour  and  gratitude  to  the  man,  who  has 
filled  the  measure  of  his  country's  honour." 

Upon  this  occasion,  the  general,  knowing  that 
the  country  he  had  defended  was  acquired  by  nego- 
tiation, by  the  same  man  who  had  so  essentially 
aided  him  in  protecting  it,  gave  for  a  toast — 
"  James  Monroe." 

Upon  his  arrival  at  Washington,  he  was  received 
with  that  dignified  affability,  and  cordial  affection, 
for  which  the  President  and  the  heads  of  the  seve- 
ral departments,  are  distinguished.  No  ostenta- 
tious parade,  better  calculated  to  repress  than  to 
elicit  the  feelings  of  the  heart,  was  displayed  upon 
the  occasion.     The  civil  fathers  of  the  Republic 


28  i  MEMOIRS  OP 

saw  before  them,  a  soldier,  who  had  supported  in 
the  field;  the  measures  they  had  devised  in  the 
cabinet.  Respecting  and  respected,  they  mutually 
congratulated  each  other,  upon  the  successful  ter- 
mination of  their  arduous  labours.  In  surveying 
the  city,  the  effects  of 'Vandal  warfare,  were  visible 
in  the  barbarous  ravages  of  a  British  army.  He 
saw  the  ruins  of  the  Capitol  and  the  President's 
house,  and  knew  that  it  was  in  open  violation  of 
the  principles  of  civilized  warfare,  that  it  was  pro- 
duced. He  must  have  rejoiced  that  a  Pakenham 
was  prevented  from  leaving  such  tracks  of  desola- 
tion in  New  Orleans,  as  a  Ross  had  in  Washington. 
At  all  the  public  parties  which  the  general  at- 
tended at  Washington,  at  Georgetown,  and  at  other 
places  in  the  vicinity,  he  shewed,  that  although  in 
time  of  war,  a  soldier  must  be  as  a  lion  to  his  ene- 
mies, he  could,  in  time  of  peace,  be  a  lamb  to  his 
friends — that  he  could  "  smooth  the  wrinkled  front" 
of  the  soldier,  and  enjoy  the  "  lulling  tune  of  the 
lute."  At  the  table,  he  could  enjoy  the  luxuries  it 
afforded,  with  the  elegance  of  the  gentleman — at 
a  levee,  or  a  drawing-room,  could  reciprocate  the 
civilities  he  received,  and  in  the  ball-room,  could, 
if  he  chosed,  display  the  refined  accomplishments 
of  the  courtier.  Mrs.  Jackson  accompanied  her 
husband  to  Washington  ;  and  every  where  received 
that  distinguished  respect,  which  her  own  merit,  as 
well  as  admiration  for  the  general,  induced  every 
pne  to  bestow. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  28& 

But  amidst  the  fascinating  blandishments  of  re- 
lined  society,  and  the  alluring  charms  of  elegant 
amusements,  he  never  forgat  his  duty  to  his  coun- 
try. More  than  one  half  of  one  of  the  largest  na- 
tions in  the  world,  in  point  of  territory,  had  been- 
assigned  to  his  command.  Although  the  olive 
branch  of  peace,  waved  over  his  country,  where 
the  clarion  of  war  had,  for  a  long  time,  assailed 
the  ears  of  his  countrymen,  he  never  remitted  his 
exertions  to  secure,  in  time  of  peace,  by  efficient 
regulations  and  necessary  establishments,  the  rights 
and  blessings  that  had  been  defended  by  the  sword. 

It  is  inconsistent  with  the  design  of  these  me- 
moirs, to  give  a  minute  detail  of  all  the  inter- 
esting scenes  through  which  Gen.  Jackson  passed, 
in  his  extensive  private  intercourse  with  the  most 
exalted,  as  well  as  the  middling  classes  of  society. 
A  Boswell,  might  swell  the  life  of  a  Johnson 
to  three  octavos,,  by  telling  the  world  how  the 
"  giant  of  literature"  dressed  upon  particular  days — 
upon  what  days  he  drank  wine  With  his  friends — 
cream  with  his  coffee,  and  enriched  his  hunns  with 
butter.  Gen.  Jackson's  life  is  interspersed  with 
incidents  more  interesting  to  his  countrymen,  than 
such  events  5  and  it  is  presumed  they  will  be 
more  interested  in  the   detail   of  them. 

In  the  spring  of  1816,  Gen.  Jackson  repaired 
to  the  great  scene  of  his  military  operations,  New 
Orleans.  It  is  utterly  impossible  to  give  the  readet 
any  conception  of  the  rapture  of  the  people,  in 


286  MEMOIRS  OF 

again  seeing  in  the  bosom  of  the  city,  the  niaiV 
who  had  saved  it  from  carnage  and  destruction — its 
sons  from  murder,  and  its  daughters  from  wanton 
violation.  After  the  scenes  of  cordial  congratula- 
tion were  passed,  he  immediately  reviewed  the 
troops — examined  minutely  into  the  police  of  the 
camp,  and  finding  the  troops  unhealthy,  resolved 
to  have  them  removed  to  the  Alabama  Territory, 
which  was  soon  after  effected. 

Although  the  health  and  ccmfort  of  troops,  i^ 
a  primary  object  with  a  commander,  yet  in  ad- 
dition to  this  consideration,  Gen.  Jackson,  con~ 
sidered,  from  former  experience,  that  the  most  en- 
dangered part  of  the  "  Division  of  the  South,"  was 
that  which  bordered  upon  the  Spanish  provinces 
of  Florida,  in  which  the  Alabama  and  Siminole 
Indians  were  embosomed.  He  was  aware  that 
the  stationing  of  American  troops  upon  their  bor- 
ders, would  tend  to  restrain  their  barbarity  ;  and 
that  they  could  more  promptly  be  punished  when 
committed.  Subsequent  events,  shewed  the  wj£* 
dom  of  this  measure. 


ANDREW  JACKSONc  28? 


CHAPTER  XX, 


Gen.  Jackson  riegociates  a  treaty  for  extinguishment 
of  Indian  titles  to  land — Issues  an  order  relative  to 
this  subject — Receives  a  silver  vase  from  the  Ladies 
of  South  Carolina,  &c. — Returns  to  Nashville — Issues 
an  important  general  order — Prepares  to  defend  his 
Division — Commencement  of  Siminole  war — Gen 
Gaines  attacks  the  Siminoles — Gen  Jackson  addres- 
ses the  "  Tennessee  Volunteers" — repairs  to  Geor- 
gia— and  enters  with  his  army  into  Florida — Justifi- 
cation of  that  measure — he  captures  St.  Marks. 

GEN.  JACKSON,  having  discharged  the  impor- 
tant duty  of  regulating  and  stationing  the  army,  in 
the  southern  section,  of  the  Division  of  the  South, 
he  entered  into  negociation  with  the  Chickasaw, 
Choctaw,  Cherokee,  and  Creek  Indians.  The 
object  of  the  negociation,  was  to  obtain  from  them,, 
the  absolute  relinquishment  of  all  the  claim  they 
pretended  to  have  to  lands,  within  the  limits  of 
the  United  States,  and  which  had  previously  been  ' 
ceded  by  them.  This  measure  evinced,  in  a  sig- 
nal manner,  the  moderation  of  the  American  go- 
vernment toward  the  natives.  Although  the  ter- 
ritory had  before  been  obtained,  first  by  conquest, 
after  a  sanguinary  war,  occasioned  by  the  savages 
themselves,  and  afterwards  by  treaty  with  them, 
by  which  they  acknowledged  their  gratitude  to 
the  government  for  permitting  them  to  retain  any 
territory,  yet,  to  pacify  them  completely,  for  the 
diminution  of  their  limits,  and  to  extinguish  their 


288  MEMOIRS  OF 

title,  Gen.  Jackson,  engaged,  in  behalf  of  his  go\ 
ernment,  to  pay  the  Creeks  $  10,000  a  year,  for 
ten    years  ;  and  the    Cherokees,    $  10,000  a  year 
for  eight  years. 

Having  accomplished  this  important  measure. 
Gen.  Jackson  repaired  to  Hu^tsville,  in  the  State 
of  Mississippi,  and  upon  the  8th  of  October,  pub- 
lished an  order,  which  was  sanctioned  by  the  gov- 
ernment, by  which  all  citizens  of  the  United  States, 
were  enjoined  to  abstain  from  all  encroachments 
upon  Indian  lands,  and  ordered  such  as  had,  to  be 
removed  in  a  limited  number  of  days.  Although 
this  might  operate  hard  upon  individuals  who  had 
acted  under  misapprehension,  yet  it  was  doing 
that  justice  and  equity  to  savages,  which  the  Ameri- 
can government  has  always  extended  to  them  ; 
and  it  rendered  still  more  secure  the  frontiers  of 
Mississippi,  Tennesse,  and  Georgia. 

During  this  season,  Gen.  Jackson  received  a 
manifestation  of  respect  from  the  "  Ladies  of  South 
Carolina,"  his  native  state,,  which  must  have  been 
peculiarly  grateful  to  his  feelings.  They  presented 
him,  through  Col.  Haynes,  and  Maj.  Gadsden,  with 
a  splendid  silver  vase  elevated  upon  a  pedestal. 
The  figures  attached  to  it,  are  emblematical  of  the 
country's  glory,  and  of  the  glory  of  "  the  man  of 
new  Orleans."  Upon  one  side  of  it,  is  a  striking 
representation  of  the  great  battle,  and  an  inscrip- 
tion, "  eighth  January,    1815" — upon  the  other 

"PRESENTED  BY  THE  LADIES  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA,  T*> 


ANDREW  JACKSON*  i*S3 

#ajor-6eneral  andrew  JACKSON,"  The  gift  was 
^worthy  of  the  receiver — worthy  of  the  givers— wor- 
thy of  the  descendants  of  the  patriotic  matrons  of 
South  Carolina,  who,  in  the  gloomy  period  of  the 
revolution,  added  lustre  to  their  characters,  by  ex- 
ercising a  benevolence,  as  boundless  as  the  wants 
of  their  assailed  countrymen.  The  toils,  the  grief, 
and  the  death,  of  the  venerable  mother  of  Andrew 
Jackson,  cannot  be  forgotten.* 

At  about  the  same  time,  the  general  received 
another  present,  although  less  splendid,  equally 
appropriate.  A  boot  manufacturer  of  Pittsburgh, 
presented  him  with  an  elegant  and  superb  pair  of 
military  boots.  He  received  them  witk"great  affa- 
bility, and  reciprocated  the  civility  with  his  usual 
cordiality.  The  presentation  of  a  pair  of  woolen 
stockings,  to  the  Emperor  Alexander,  when  at 
London,  suitable  for  the  frigid  climate  in  which 
he  reigns,  was  received  with  all  the  condescension 
which  the  head  of  the  allied  sovereigns  could  be- 
stow upon  a  peasant. 

In  October,  1816,  Gen.  Jackson  returned  to  his 
head-quarters  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  It  has  long- 
been  his  happiness,  when  returning  to  the  place  of 
his  residence,  from  the  discharge  of  civil  and  mili- 
tary duties  abroad,  to  have,  in  his  absence,  raised 
an  additional  claim  to  the  gratitude  and  admiration 
of  his  fellow  citizens.     The  treaty  he  had  recentlj 

*  Vide  Chap.  i.  Page  3  L 

%5 


290  MEMOIRS  OF 

made  with  the  Indians,  was  most  peculiarly  advan- 
tageous to  the  people  of  Tennessee,  as  it  diminish- 
ed, and  almost  allayed  the  apprehensions  of  the 
people,  from  all  future  fears  of  Indian  warfare. 
Having  become  perfectly  familiarized  with  the 
necessary  regulation  and  police  of  an  army,  his  at- 
tention was  almost  exclusively  devoted  to  the  in- 
troduction of  them,  into  the  American  army.  In 
the  spring  of  1817,  he  issued  the  following  general 
order,  which  has  been  the  subject  of  severe  ani- 
madversion, from  some  distinguished  officers  in  the 
army,  and    q{  approbation  from    others. 

DIVISION  ORDER. 

Adjutant-Ge^vERal's  Office, 
H.  Q.  Division  of  the  South,  Nashville,  April  22, 1817.  \ 

The  commanding  general  considers  it  due  to 
the  principles  of  subordination,  which  ought,  and 
must  exist  in  an  army,  to  prohibit  the  disobedience 
of  any  order  emanating  from  the  Department  of 
War,  to  officers  of  this  division,  who  have  re- 
ported and  been  assigned  to  duty,  unless  coming 
through  him,  as  the  proper  organ  of  communica- 
tion. The  object  of  this  order,  is  to  prevent  the 
recurrence  of  a  circumstance,  which  removed  an 
important  officer  from  the  division,  without  the 
knowledge  of  the  commanding  general,  and  in- 
deed, when  Tie  supposed  that  officer,  engaged  in 
his  official  duties,  and  anticipated  hourly  the  re? 
ceipt  of  his  official  reports,  on  a  subject  of  great 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  1*91 

importance  to  his  command  ;  also  to  prevent  the 
topographical  reports  from  being  made  .public 
through  the  medium  of  the  newspapers,  as  was 
done  in  the  case  alluded  to,  thereby  enabling  the 
enemy  to  obtain  the  benefit  of  all  our  topographical 
researches,  as  soon  as  the  general  commanding, 
who  is  responsible  for  the  division.  Superiour  offi- 
cers, having  commands  assigned  them,  are  held  re- 
sponsible to*  the  government,  for  the  character  and 
conduct  of  that  command  ;  and  it  might  as  well  be 
justified  in  an  officer,  senior  in  command,  to  give  or- 
ders to  a  guard  on  duty,  without  passing  that  order 
through  the  officer  of  that  guard,  as  that  the 
Department  of  War,  should  countermand  the  ar- 
rangements of  commanding  generals,  without  giving 
their  order  through  the  proper  channel.  To  ac- 
quiesce in  such  a  course,  would  be  a  tame  surren- 
der of  military  rights  and  etiquette ;  and  at  once 
subvert  the  established  principles  of  subordination 
and  good  order.  Obedience  to  the  lawful  com- 
mands of  superiour  officers,  is  constitutionally  and 
morally  required  :  but  there  is  a  chain  of  com- 
munication thatbinds  the  military  compact,  which, 
if  broken,  opens  the  door  to  disobedience  and 
disrespect,  and  gives  loose  to  the  turbulent  spirits, 
who  are  ever  ready  to  excite  mutiny.  All  physi- 
cians, able  to  perform  duty,  who  are  absent  oa 
furlough,  will  forthwith,  repair  to  their  respective 
posts.  Commanding  officers  of  regiments  and  corp^. 
*ire  ordered  to  report  specially,  all  officers  absent 


292  jHEMoms  oi 

from  duty,  on  the  30th  of  June  next,  and  their 
cause  of  absence.    The  army  is  too  small  to  tolerate 
rdlers,  and  they   will  be  dismissed  the  service. 
By  order  of  Maj.  Gen.  Jackson. 
(Signed)  ROBERT  BUTLER. 

Adjutant  General* 

Until  the  commencement  of  the  last  war,  the 
American  Republic  could  hardly  be  said  to  have 
had  a  practical  military  system.  From  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  war  of  the  revolution,  to  that  pe^od, 
it  had,  indeed,  a  small  military  force  ;  but  they 
were  scattered,  in  small  sections,  through  an  im- 
mense country,  and  but  little  of  a  systematic  or- 
ganization, or  of  regular  subordination,  was  to  be 
discerned.  The  collisions  that  unhappily  subsist- 
ed in  the  army,  and  between  the  army  and  the 
War  Department,  in  the  campaigns  of  1812,  and 
1813,  evinces  the  justice  of  the  remark.  It  requir- 
ed the  energy  of  a  Monroe,  in  the  last,  and  of  a 
Jackson,  Brown,  Macomb,  Gaines,  Scott,  Rip- 
rey,  &c.  in  the  first,  to  give  efficiency  and  system 
to  the  physical  power  of  the  country,  when  called 
into  action.  The  preceding  general  order  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Division  of  the  South, 
is  inserted,  not  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  its 
merits.  It  would  be  arrogance  in  the  writer  to 
attempt  it.  That  subject  more  properly  belongs 
to  the  accomplished  officers  of  the  army,  than 
lo  the  unassuming  biographer. 


ANDREW  JACKSON,  293 

Gen.  Jackson,  with  that  vigilance  which  always 
characterizes   a    great  commander,    extended  his 
views  through  the  whole  of  his  immensely  extensive 
division ;  but  he  was  fully  aware  from  whence  the 
greatest,  or  rather,  the  most  immediate  danger  was 
to  be  apprehended.     He  was  well  acquainted  with 
Spanish  perfidy,  and  had  once  carried  the  Ameri- 
can arms  to  the  capital  of  their  North  American 
possessions,  and  terrour  into  the  heart  of  an  effemi- 
nate,  though  vindictive  minister  of  the  imbecile, 
though  tyrannical   Ferdinand    VII.     The   sparing 
mercy  of  the  American  government,  was  extended 
to  him  and  to  his  nation,  from  the  most  solemn  assu- 
ranees,  that  the  treaty  existing  between  the  Ameri- 
can and  Spanish  governments,  should  be  inviolably 
kept,   and  faithfully  executed.     Without  alluding 
to  other  articles,  and  other  violations,  it  is  sufficient 
for  the  present  purpose  to  state,  that  one  article  of 
this  treaty  provides,  that  the  Spanish  government, 
shall  wholly  restrain  the  savages  within  the  limits 
of  their  possessions  in  North  America,  from  depre- 
dations   of  every  kind  upon  the    citizens   of  the 
United    States.     In  the   preceding  parts    of  this 
work,  the  conduct  of  Manrequez,  the  then  Spanish 
governour,  has  been  unfolded.      Conduct  equally 
flagrant  in  outrage,  was  pursued  by  the  Spanish  au- 
thorities, after  the  conclusion   of  peace   between 
America  and  Great  Britain,  as  was  pursued  during 
the  last  war.     So  far  from  restraining  the  hostile 
'Savages  from  committing  depredations  upon  the  \*x 

25* 


294  MEMOIR- 

ritory,  and  murder  upon  the  persons  of  American 
citizens,  they  were  encouraged  to  the  perpetration 
of  these  deeds,  by  the  officers  and  emissaries  of 
Spain. 

No  thanks  are  due  from  Americans  to  the  Span- 
ish authorities  of  Florida,  for  the  peace  which  has 
subsisted,  for  a  considerable  period,  between  the 
government  and  people  of  the  American  Republic ; 
and  the  Choctazo,  Creek,  Cherokee,  and  Chickasazo 
tribes  of  Indians  :  nor  will  these  brave  and  infatu- 
ated sons  of  the  forest,  thank  them  for  stimulating 
them  to  warfare,  against  a  magnanimous  nation* 
whose  prowess,  directed  by  the  courage  and  wisdom 
of  Gen.  Jackson,  has  conquered  them  into  a  peace, 
advantageous  to  themselves — advantageous,  because 
the  sacred  regard  to  justice,  which  is  the  leading 
characteristic  of  the  American  government,  will 
inviolably  regard  it.  These  tribes,  from  the  most 
correct  information,  could  bring  into  the  field,  in 
1817,  10,000  warriors  :  but  none  of  them,  except 
the  disaffected,  who  had,  by  the  seduction  of  foreign 
emissaries,  joined  the  Siminoles,  raised  the  hatchet 
against  Americans. 

The  Siminole  Indians  are  not  a  "  legitimate" 
tribe  of  native  Americans.  They  are  an  associa- 
tion of  desperados,  who  have  been  banished  from 
other  tribes,  and  who  have  drawn  into  their  con* 
federacy,  many  runaway  negrOes>  whose  African 
sullenness,  has  been  aroused  to  indiscriminate  ven- 
geance, by  the  more  frantic  fury  of  the  American 


ANDREW  JACKSON*  295 

natives.  It  was  from  this  desperate  clan  of  out- 
laws, from  civil,  and  even  from  savage  society,  that 
the  Spanish  authorities  expected  to  see  the  Ameri- 
can settlements,  upon  the  borders  of  Florida,  de- 
vastated, and  the  settlers  slain  ! 

The  British  government,  since  the  treaty  of 
peace  negociated  at  Ghent,  had  been  more  cautious 
in  arming,  disciplining,  and  driving  savages  into 
war  with  Americans,  than  it  had  previously  been  ! 
but  two  of  its  subjects,  by  the  names  of  Arbuthnot 
and  Ambristie,  had  long  been  executing,  under  the 
specious  pretext  of  carrying  on  merchandize,  the 
wishes  of  the  enemies  of  the  American  Republic* 
To  conceal  their  depravity,  they  may  have  furnish- 
ed the  Siminole  Indians  with  some  few  articles  of 
clothing :  but  the  principal  articles  of  their  traffic, 
were  knives,  hatchets,  muskets,  rifles,  balls,  and 
pozoder. 

From  the  year  1814  to  1817,  this  ferocious  clan 
of  American  savages,  and  African  negroes,  com- 
mitted many  depredations  and  wanton  murders,  in 
the  American  settlements.  Gen.  Edmund  P.  Gaines. 
the  next  in  command  to  Gem  Jackson  in  the  Divi- 
sion of  the  South,  was  stationed  in  the  vicinity  of 
these  outrages*  In  a  communication  which  would 
grace  this,  or  any  other  volume,  but  which  is  re- 
luctantly omitted,  he  portrayed  the  open  violences 
of  the  savages,  and  the  insidious  wickedness  of 
Spanish  and  British  emissaries,  in  a  manner  not  to 
be  disregarded.     He  was  stationed  at  Fort  Scott : 


296  MEMOIRS    OF 

and  had  with  him  but  part  of  the  7th  Regiment  of 
U.  S.  infantry.  He  however  immediately  put  his 
forces  in  motion  against  them,  although  wholly  in- 
competent, from  deficiency  in  amount,  to  cope  with 
the  immense  host  of  savages  that  surrounded  him, 
and  his  little  gallant  force.  He  demanded  a  surren- 
der of  the  murderers  of  American  citizens.  No 
answer  was  given  but  savage  defiance.  No  com- 
punctions were  manifested  for  the  innocent  blood 
that  stained  them.  Gen.  Gaines,  aware  that  patient 
sufferance  of  injuries  from  savages,  forever  in- 
creases their  ferocity,  proceeded  against  them — • 
crossed  the  Flint  River — dispersed  them — des- 
troyed Fowltown,  and  returned  to  Fort  Scott.  A  nu- 
merous horde  of  desperate  warriors,  red  and  black, 
surrounded  the  fort,  and  entirely  cut  off  the 
communication  of  the  American  forces.  Appea- 
rances indicated  a  repetition  of  the  tragical  scenes 
of  Fort  Mimms,  in  Mississippi*  The  signal  ven- 
geance inflicted  upon  the  Creeks,  by  Gen.  Jack- 
son, and  his  invincible  army,  probably  occasioned 
the  Siminoles  to  pause,  before  they  u  cast  their 
lives  upon  a  die." 

Gen.  Gaines  had  called  upon  the  executive 
of  Georgia,  whose  state  was  more  immediate- 
ly endangered  than  any  other,  for  immediate  suc- 
cour. The  miserable  system  of  temporary  draft- 
ing, had  been  adopted  ;  and  before  the  troops 
could  be  brought  to  act  efficiently,  their  term  of 
service  expired,  and  the  small  re^uiar  force  was  the 


ANDREW  JACKSON* 

only  reliance  the  frontier  settlers  had,  as  a  protec- 
tion from  devastation  and  massacre.  A  boat  with 
40  passengers  was  taken  upon  Flint  River,  and 
every  soul  on  board  slain*  Universal  consternation  - 
prevailed  ;  and  Gen.  Gaines  once  more  called 
upon  the  Georgia  forces,  2000  of  whom  were  de- 
tailed, and  rendezvoused  at  Hartford,  Geo. 

Gen.  Jackson,  as  commander  in  chief,  was  again 
called  upon,  from  a  sense  of  duty,  to  take  the  field* 
Again  were  the  "Tennessee  Volunteers,"  by  their 
beloved  and  almost  adored  general,  exhorted  to  re- 
sume the  armour  of  war,  in  the  following  address, — - 
"Volunteers  of  West  Tennessee — -Once  more,  after  a 
repose  of  three  years,  you  are  summoned  to  the 
field.  Your  country,  having  again  need  for  your 
services,  has  appealed  to  your  patriotism,  and  you 
have  met  it  promptly.  The  cheerfulness  with 
which  you  have  appeared  to  encounter  the  hard- 
ships and  perils  of  a  winter's  campaign,  affords  the 
highest  evidence  of  what  may  be  expected  of  you, 
in  the  hour  of  conflict  and  trial. 

The  savages  on  your  borders,  unwilling  to  be  at 
peace,  have  once  more  raised  the  tomahawk  to  shed 
the  blood  of  our  citizens,  and  already  they  are  as- 
sembled in  considerable  force,  to  carry  their  mur- 
derous schemes  into  execution.  Not  contented 
with  the  liberal  policy  that  has  from  time  to  time 
been  shewn  them  ;  but  yielding  themselves  victims 
to  foreign  seducers,  they  vainly  think  to  assail  and 
conquer  the  country  that  protects  them,     Stupid 


23$  MEMOIRS    OF 

mortals  !  They  have  forgotten  too  soon  the  stream* 
of  blood  their  ill-fated  policy  heretofore  cost  them. 
They  have  forgotten  too,  that  but  a  short  time  since, 
conquered,  and  almost  destroyed,  they  were  only 
preserved  by  the  mildness  and  humanity  of  that 
country,  which  they  now  oppose.  They  must  now 
be  taught,  that  however  benevolent  and  humane 
that  country  is,  she  yet  has  sacred  rights  to  protect, 
and  with  impunity,  will  not  permit  the  butchery  of 
her  peaceable  and  unoffending  citizens. 

Brave  Volunteers — The  enemy  you  are  going  to 
contend  with,  you  have  heretofore  met  and  fought. 
You  have  once  done  it,  and  can  again  conquer  them. 
You  go  not  to  fight,  but  to  be  victorious  ;  remem- 
ber then,  that  the  way  to  prove  successful,  is  not  by 
being  inatt  entive  to  the  first  duties  of  a  soldier,  but 
by  bearing'and  executing  with  cheerfulness,  the  or- 
ders of  superiours,  and  being  constantly  mindful  of 
the  obligations  you  are  under  to  your  country  and 
to  yourself.  Subordination  and  attention  to  dis- 
cipline, are  all-important  and  indispensable  ;  without 
them,  nothing  like  system  can  be  preserved,  and 
this  being  wanted,  nothing  favourable  can  result. 
But  in  you,  every  confidence  is  reposed.  Your 
general  will  not  believe  that  brave  men,  who  have 
so  promptly  come  forth  at  the  call  of  their  country; 
will  withhold  their  assent  to  regulations  which  can 
alone  assure  them  safety  and  success.  Hardships 
and  dangers  are  incident  to  war  :  but  brave  men 
rrill  bear  them  without  murmuring  or  complaining? 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  293 

Knowing  you  to  be  such,  no  fears  are  entertained 
but  that  every  duty  imposed  on  you,  will  be  mel 
with  promptness  and  cheerfulness. 

Your  general  goes  before  you  to  open  the  way, 
and  prepare  for  your  reception.  Confiding  in  your 
diligence  and  exertions,  he  will  expect  your  arrival 
at  your  destined  point,  without  unnecessary  delay — 
led  by  Col.  Arthur  P.  Haynes,  an  officer  in  whom  he 
has  every  confidence.  This  being  effected,  he  will 
place  himself  at  your  head,  and  with  you  share  the 
dangers  and  hardships  of  the  campaign.'' 

The  proud  title  and  unfading  laurels  which  these 
gallant  sons  of  the  Republic  had  acquired,  would 
not  suffer  them  to  remain  unmoved  at  an  address 
from  a  cheiftain,  under  whom  they  had  acquired 
them.  With  a  promptness,  that  had  ever  signalized 
them,  they  repaired  to  their  rendezvous,  and,  under 
the  command  of  Col.  Arthur  P.  Haynes,  so  often 
mentioned  before,  repaired  to  the  point  of  des- 
tination, at  Fort  Scott. 

Gen.  Jackson,  in  January  181 8,  had  repaired  to 
Georgia,  and  had  placed  himself  at  the  head  of 
the  Georgia  militia.  Situated  in  a  country  which 
affords  but  few  materials  for  the  subsistence  of 
an  army,  he  actually  commenced  a  march  of  ten 
days  through  a  wilderness,  with  only  a  pint  of  com 
to  each  man  per  day  !  He  was  also  conscious, 
that  a  supply  could  not  be  relied  upon  at  Fort 
Scott.  But  he  knew  the  importance  of  celerity 
in  the  movement  of  an  army,  and  the  brilliancy 


300  MEMOIRS  OP 

of  his  achievements  had  hitherto  depended  much 
upon  it.  At  Fort  Scott,  he  formed  a  junction 
with  the  regular  forces ;  and  upon  the  arrival  of 
the  Tennessee  Volunteers,  was  prepared  to  make 
a  sudden  termination  of  the  Siminole  war. 

This  tribe  had  not  a  solitary  claim  to  compas- 
sion, excepting  what  arises  from  the  consideration, 
that  they  were  willing  victims  to  Spanish  and 
British  machinations.  Even  their  principal  chief, 
Pepiticoxy,  when  asked  the  reason  of  his  hostility 
against  the  American  Republic,  replied — "  The 
government  were  alzvays  ready  to  do  him  justice,  and 
to  make  peace  with  him  ;  but  that  war  was  a  fine 
manly  exercise,  in  which  he  zvished  to  practise  his 
young  men  !  /"  Their  "  foreign  seducers,"  were 
ever  ready  to  make  them  victims  to  their  own  in- 
fatuation. The  same  Col,  Nicoll  of  proclamation 
memory,  and  the  same  Capt.  Woodbine,  of  no 
memory,  but  that  of  infamy,  were  found  to  be 
sculking  among  the  Siminoles,  as  they  sneaked 
from  Pensacola  in  the  last  war,  after  having  ex- 
posed the  feeble  and  impotent  Manrequez,  to  the 
just  vengeance  of  a  magnanimous,  but  insulted 
government. 

By  the  first  week  in  March,  1818,  the  measures 
of  Gen.  Jackson,  were  determined  upon ;  and 
when  fixed,  Indian  hostility,  Spanish  intrigue,  and 
British  perfidy,  might  as  well  divorce  the  sun  from 
the  ecliptic,  as  to  divert  him  from  their  accom-r 
,plishment.     He  had  been  compelled,  in  avenging 


ANDREW  JACKS0i\.  iiOl 

the  injuries  of  his  country,  to  make  the  brave, 
infatuated,  and  misguided  Creeks  bleed  at  every 
pore.  Although  the  Siminoles  had  less  claim  to 
compassion,  yet  this  great  commander  was  aware 
that  they  were  also  misled ;  but  upon  them,  as 
open  agressors,  his  power  was  first  to  operate, 
and  then,  upon  their  misleaders.  He  was  deter- 
mined to  strike  at  the  root  of  the  evil  ;  and,  if 
possible,  to  remove  it. 

Minute  details  might  be  entered  into,  and  they 
might  gratify  minute  curiosity  ;  but  it  is  sufficient 
to  say,  that  Gen.  Jackson,  marched  with  his  for- 
ces through  a  country,  in  which  the  savages  had 
every  advantage,  from  their  acquaintance  with  it? 
and  from  its  better  adaptation  to  savage,  than  to  ci- 
vilized warfare.  Like  the  powerful  representative 
of  a  great  people,  he  determined  to  punish  the 
guilty  wherever  found,  and  to  spare  the  innocent, 
where  innocence  was  evinced.  He  passed  through 
that  part  of  the  American  territory,  occupied  by 
the  Siminoles  ;  and  they  either  fell,  or  retired 
before  him  and  his  gallant  followers.  He  reached 
the  borders  of  Florida,  upon  10th  March.  Know- 
ing that  geographical  boundaries^  were  not  the 
"boundaries  of  right  and  wrong,  and  determin- 
ing to  penetrate  the  darkest  recesses  of  guilt, 
and  punish  its  instigators,  he  entered  the  Spanish 
province    of  Florida  with  his  forces. 

Many  of  the  countrymen  of  Gen.  Jackson,  have 
bestowed  a  liberal  portion  of  censure  upon  him. 
26 


o02  MEMOIRS  OF 

for  entering  tke  territory  of  a  power,  with  an  ar- 
my, with  whom  the  Republic  was  at  peace.  While 
it  is  admitted,  that  Spain  was  ostensibly  at  peace 
with  Americans,  it  must  not  be  denied  that  the 
Spanish  authorities  in  Florida,  were  palpably  vio- 
lating the  treaty,  by  omitting  to  restrain  the  savages 
in  their  territory,  from  acts  of  hostility  against 
themvand  by  encouraging  the  savages  in  commit- 
ting them.  Should  it  be  said  that  they  were  un- 
able to  restrain  them,  from  their  own  weakness,  and 
from  the  superiority  of  the  savages,  it  maybe  an- 
swered— every  nation  must  perform  their  own 
treaty-stipulations,  or  suffer  the  consequences  of 
a  violation.  Is  not  the  plea  of  weakness,  a  fal- 
lacy, as  it  regards  the  Spanish  treaty  with  Ameri- 
ca ?  Is  it  to  be  said  that  one  of  the  "  Allied  Sov- 
ereigns1' of  Europe,  cannot  restrain  a  single  tribe 
of  Indians  from  breaking  his  treaties  ?  A  tenth 
part  of  the  forces  he  has,  for  years,  maintained 
in  South  America,  vainly  endeavouring  to  enslave 
the  Patriots,  and  subject  them  to  Spanish  tyranny, 
the  torture,  and  the  Inquisition,  might  easily  have 
restrained  the  Sirninole  Indians  from  depredations 
and  murders,  in   the    American  settlements. 

Gen.  Jackson  had  under  his  command,  and  of 
course,  under  his  military  protection,  all  that  por- 
tidn  of  the  Republic  which  bounds  upon  the  exten- 
sive province  of  Florida.  He  held  himself,  in  a 
degree,  accountable  for  every  inch  of  territory, 
that  was  invaded,  and  every  limb  and  life  that^w— 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  303 

lost,  by  the  enemies  of  his  country.     He  felt  his 
ability  to  defend  his  extensive  Division  ;  he  knew  it 
to  be  his  duty ;  and  was  conscious  that  his  country 
expected  it  frorr^  him.     He    saw  his  countrymen 
murdered  upon  the  frontiers,  and  the  murderers  pro- 
tected by  a  government  which  was  solemnly  pledg- 
ed  to  restrain  the  savages,  who  had   committed 
them,  from  every  act  of  hostility.     It  would  have 
been  but  a  pastime  for  these  blood-seeking,  despe- 
rate Siminoles,  to  have  saturated  themselves  with 
the  blood  of  American   women  and  children,  and 
merely  to  be  driven  to  their  homes  in  the  forests 
of  Florida,  only  to  prepare  to  glut  their  vengeance 
by   repeated   feasts   of  innocent  blood.     Are  the 
swamps  and   ravines  of  Florida,  like  the  horns   of 
ancient  altars,  a  protection    for  murderers  ?  Ask 
the  parents  of  slain  innocents,  whether  thy*  is  the 
protection  their  government  is  pledged  to    extend 
to  them.     No  matter  what  might  have  beon  the  in- 
structions of  the  government  to  Gen.  Jackson — No 
matter  what  may  be    the  opinion  of  the   fastidious 
civilian  upon   abstract   questions   of  international 
law.     The  Spanish  government  had  palpably  vio- 
lated their  treaty  with  America  ;  and  if  thirteen 
years  more,    of  negociation  were  to  be  spent,  the 
Alabama  Territory,  the  frontiers  of  Georgia,  Ten- 
nessee, and  Mississippi,  will  have  presented  a  wide 
spread  scene  of  desolation,  in  which  the  bones  of 
American  citizens  wou  d  be  found  mingled  with  the 
ruins  of  their  habitations,  and  the  devastations  of 
.the  country. 


304  MEMOIRS  OP 

Gen.  Jackson,  like  an  ancient  patriot,  described 
by  an  ancient  historian,  is  "  a  man — a  high-minded 
man,  who  knows  his  duty.,  and  knowing,  dares  perform 
it."  He  might  have  said,  as  his  great  and  exalted 
friend,  President  Monroe  did,  when  he  entered  the 
highest  station  filled  by  an  human  being — "  from 

AJUST  RESPONSIBILITY  I  SHALL  NEVER  SHRINK."    He 

led  his  army  into  Florida.  The  confidence  of  the 
wretched  Siminoles  was  converted  to  despair,  and 
they  fled  in  consternation  before  the  avenger  of 
their  inhuman  murders.  He  penetrated  into  the 
interiour  of  Florida,  and  captured  Fort  St.  Marks, 
the  dark  scene  of  Spanish  and  British  machinations, 
and  the  primurn  mobile  of  Indian  carnage,  and  mas- 
sacre. The  Spanish  authorities  protested  against 
it,  but  conscious  guilt  unnerved  their  arms,  and 
they  dared  not  defend  it  by  force. 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  ^OS- 


CHAPTER    XXL 

Gen.  Jackson  at  Fort  St.  Marks,  Florida — captures 
and  executes  Francis  the  Prophet,  and  an  Indian 
Chief —  at  the  same  place,  takes  Arbuthnot  and  A«n- 
bristie — details  a  general  court-martial  for  their  tri- 
al— approves  of  the  sentence,  and  orders  them  to  be 
executed — Remark — Gen.  Jackson  marches  for  Pen- 
sacola — captures  it — appoints  Col.  King  to  the 
command  of  it,  and  retires  to  Nashville,  Tenn. 

GEN.  JACKSON  was  now,  (April  1818,)  in  pos- 
session of  the  most  important  post  in  Florida,  (if 
Pensacola  be  excepted,) — Fort  St.  Marks.  It  is 
situated  far  in  the  interiour  of  that  province,  upon 
the  river  St.  Marks ;  has  long  been  the  theatre  of 
the  most  nefarious  designs,  and  the  starting  point 
from  which  marauders,  depredators,  and  murderers 
have  taken  their  departure — certain  of  being  wel- 
comed home,  when  plunder  and  scalps  were  brought 
with  them.  From  this  place,  Gen.  Jackson  direct- 
ed his  operations  against  the  Siminoles,  yet  unsub- 
dued. An  important  town  of  their's,  by  the  name 
f)f  Swvanney,  thirty  miles  distant,  was  taken  by  a 
detachment  of  the  army.  The  savages  dispersed 
or  surrendered,  in  every  part  of  the  country,  and 
the  war  of  defence  against  the  Siminoles,  was. 
suddenly  brought  to  a  close* 

By  hoisting  a  British  flag  upon  the  fort,  many 
hostile  Indians  entered  the  water-craft  in  the  river,, 
and  were  captured.     Among  them,  were  a  fero- 


r*     306  MEMOIRS  OP 

cious  chief,  and  the  prophet  Francis,  whose  mur- 
ders, committed  and  instigated,  cannot  all  be 
mentioned.  They  suffered  the  reward  of  their 
diabolical  wickedness  upon  the  gallows.  The 
rest  of  the  savages  were  discharged.  Francis  had 
recently  visited  England  ;  and  there  was  found  in 
his  possession,  a  general's  commission  in  the  Brit- 
ish army. 

At  the  same  place  were  taken  the  two  British 
subjects  before  mentioned — Arbuthnot  and  Ambris- 
fie.  The  most  conclusive  evidence  was  furnished 
Gen.  Jackson,  that  these  men  were,  and  for  a  long 
time  had  been,  in  open  hostility  against  the  Re- 
public. That  they  had  furnished  the  Siminoles 
and  negroes,  with  every  species  of  deadly  weapons, 
the  better  to  enable  them  to  carry  on  war  against 
the  Americans.  That  they  had  stimulated  them 
to  the  commission  of  many  of  the  murders  that  had 
been  perpetrated  by  them,  upon  the  defenceless 
<;itizens  upon  the  frontiers;  and  that  they  had 
rendered  themselves  subject  to  the  most  rigorous 
execution  of  vengeance  against  them,  as  violators 
of  the  acknowledged  principles  of  the  law  of  nations. 

Gen.  Jackson,  imitating  the  dignified  moderation 
of  the  government,  whose  power  he  represented, 
detailed  them  for  trial,  to  give  them  an  opportuni- 
ty to  evince  their  innocence.  A  general  court- 
martial  was  detailed,  of  thirteen  members.  The 
President  of  this  court,  was  Maj.  Gen.  Edmund  P. 
Gaines^  one  of  the  most  distinguished  ani  accom- 


AXDREW  JACKSON".  307 

plished  officers  in  the  American,  or  any  other 
service.  The  members  consisted  of  officers  of 
high  reputation  in  the  regular  army,  and  in  the 
corps  of  volunteers.  Every  indulgence,  consistent 
with  the  dignity  of  the  proceeding,  was  extended 
to  the  arrested  men  ;  and  every  opportunity  af- 
forded them  to  make  a  full  defence.  After  the 
most  solemn  deliberation,  the  court  found  them 
guilty  of  the  articles  and  specifications  exhibited 
against  them,  and  ordered  them  to  be  executed. 
Gen.  Jackson  approved  of  the  sentence;  a.ndArbuth- 
not  and  Ambristie  atoned  with  their  lives,  so  far  as 
two  guilty  lives  could  atone,  for  the  murder  of 
many  innocent  and  worthy  men  ;  many  lovely  and 
helpless  women — many  weeping  and  beseeching 
children,  which  had  been  instigated  by  them, 
and  perpetrated  by  the  most  ferocious  clan  of  in- 
furiated desperados  that  infest  the  earth. * 

These  trials,  these  condemnations,  and  these  exe- 
cutions have  excited  unmeaning  clamour  from  some, 
and  perhaps,  as  unmeaning  applause  from  others. 
The  wise  advice  "first  hear,  and  then  judge,"  seems 
to  have  been  totally  disregarded  upon  this  subject. 
After  the  most  assiduous  endeavours,  the  writer 
could  not  procure  the  trial  of  these  misguided, 
and,  on  the  strength  of  the  sentence  of  a  distin- 
guished court,  we  may  say  guilty  men.     It  is  in  the 

*  To  shew  the  unparalleled  barbarism  of  the  Sinrinole  clan,  it 
need  only  be  mentioned,  that  in  June,  18 18,  Bull-Head,  Chief  of 
the  lower  Siminoles,  died  ;  and  that,  four  of  his  finest  plundered 
horses,  and  his  favourite  negro,  were  burned  on  the  occasion. 


o(JS  .     MEMOIRS  OP 

department  of  the  government ;  and  will  be  di- 
vulged when  the  wisdom  of  the  government  sees 
fit.  It  may  be  proper,  however,  to  state,  that  the 
whole  proceedings  and  the  record,  have  been  sub- 
mitted to  an  eminent  man,  who  thus  speaks  of  it — 
"  I  have  been  favoured  with  the  perusal,  of  the 
trial  of  Arbuthiiot  and  Ambristie,  by  a  military  tri- 
bunal, upon  the  28th  April,  1818.  The  charges 
preferred  against  them,  were  so  completely  estab- 
lished, as  not  to  "  leave  a  loop  to  hang  a  doubts  as 
to  the  justice  of  the  sentence.  When  the  facts 
connected  with  the  execution  of  these  men,  shall 
be  spread  before  the  world,  they  will  be  satis- 
factory and  conformable  to  the  law  of  nations. 
When  the  letters  of  Arbuthnot  to  Mr.  Bagot,  and 
the  governours  of  the  Bahama,  Havanna,  &c.  are 
laid  before  the  American  people,  they  will  then 
see  the  "  cloven  foot"  of  British  influence,  as  plain 
as  the  noon  day's  sun."  An  officer  of  intelligence 
and  veracity,  who  attended  the  whole  trial,  corro- 
borates this  statement;  and  even  a  leading  Gazette, 
published  in  London,  as  ;late  as  1st  July,  says — "If 
Arbuthnot  and  Ambristie,  were  really  guilty  of  the 
crime  with  wrhich  they  stood  accused,  their  fate  was 
such  as  the  law  of  nations  warrants." 

Many  British  prints,  however,  and  what  excites 
rather  pity  than  indignation,  many  American  prints, 
have  bestowed  upon  the  administration,  and  Gen. 
Jackson,  the  most  opprobrious  epithets,  for  their 
proceedings  in  relation  to  the  capture  of  St.  Mark* 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  30S 

and  Pensacola,  and  the  execution  of  Arbuthnot 
and  Ambristie  !  The  justice  of  heaven  is  often  re- 
cognized in  bringing  the  solitary  murderer,  to  jus- 
tice ;  and  although  it  is  ever  a  solemn  scene,  hu- 
man tribunals  are  justified  in  inflicting  it.  Is  it, 
because  these  miscreants  occasioned  blood  to  flow 
from  hundreds  of  bosoms,  that  they  are  to  be  screen- 
ed from  punishment  ?  They  were  murderers,  in 
the  strictest  sense  of  the  word.  Britain  and  Spain, 
were  both  at  peace  with  America  ;  they  therefore 
could  not  claim  the  rights  of  prisoners  of  war. 
They  lived  by  the  knife,  the  tomahawk,  and  the 
musket,  and  they  justly  expiated  their  crimes  up- 
on the  gibbet. 

The  Siminoles,  had  been  conquered  ;  their  pow- 
er broken ;  their  warriors  dispersed ;  and  their  insti- 
gators punished.  At  the  very  moment  when  Geiu 
Jackson,  was  about  to  discharge  his  army,  infor- 
mation was  received  by  him,  that  many  recent 
murders  had  been  "  committed  on  the  Alabama,  by 
a  party  of  the  enemy  from  Pensacola,  where  they 
were  furnished  with  provisions  and  ammunition  by 
a  friendly  power  !  "  * 

Governour  Joseph  Masot,  had  succeeded  Gon- 
zalez Manrequez,  in  the  gubernatorial  authority  of 
Florida  ;  but  although  there  was  a  change  oi  meny 
there  was  no  alteration  in  measures.  The  hostile 
savages  were  still  fostered,  armed,  and  instigated  to 
war,  in  the  capitial  of  Florida.     Gen.  Jackson  re- 

*  Vide  Gen.  Jackson's  address  to  his  army,  29th  May,  1818; 


310  MEMOIRS  OF 

solved  again  to  u  carry  our  arms  where  Tie  found 
our  enemies."*  Encountering  hardships  and  priva- 
tions which  he  and  the  Tennessee  Volunteers,  had 
for  years  encountered,  they  moved  toward  Pensa- 
cola.  Conscious  of  having  incurred  the  just  ven- 
geance of  the  American  government  and  army,  the 
governour  remonstrated  against  the  procedure,  in 
order  to  lay  a  foundation  for  a  little  more  negocia- 
tion  with  his  "  adored  master  y*  but  Gen,  Jackson 
had  no  other  power  of  negociating  with  Masot,  than 
hfc  had  with  Manrequez — "from  ike  mouths  of  his 
cdnnon"] 

He  entered  Pensacola  without  opposition.  The 
governour,  his  retinue,  and  his  forces  retired  to  the 
fortress  of  Barancas,  which  had  been  repaired,  at 
immense  expence,  since  the  explosion  in  the  last 
war.  It  was  here,  that  the  American  forces  ex- 
pected the  most  determined  opposition,  from  the 
superiour  advantages  that  the  Spaniards  possessed- 
But  "he  is  doubly  arrri*d  zvho  hath  his  quarrel  just  J f 
The  garrison  held  out  but  one  day,  and  surrender- 
ed upon  the  28th  May.  The  articles  of  capitulation 
are  before  the  public,  and  are  too  long  to  be  here 
inserted. 

Upon  the  29th  May,  Gen.  Jackson  commences 
his  orders — "  Head-Quarters.  Division  of  the  South  f . 
Pensacola." — Speaking  of  the  possession   of  this 
place,  he   says — uhe  has  not  been  prompted  to  this 

*  Vide  Chap.  xii.  t  Vide  Chap,  xh 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  o  1  1 

measure  from  a  wish  to  extend  the  territorial  limits 
of  the  United  States."  Alluding  to  the  Spanish  trea- 
ty, and  the  Spanish  violation  of  it,  he  says — "  help- 
less women  have  been  butchered,  and  the  cradle 
stained  with  the  blood  of  innocence  !"  He  assigned 
the  command  cf  Pensacola  to  Col.  King,  "  as  mili- 
tary and  civil  governour,"  and  prepared  to  retire 
to  his  old  head-quartprs  at  Nashville.  He  arrived 
there,  late  in  June  ;  and  was  received  by  a  deputa- 
tion of  citizens,  among  whom  was  his  gallant  asso- 
ciate, Gen.  Carroll. 

From  that  time  to  the  present,  (Nov.  J  8 1 3,)  Gen, 
Jackson  has  been  assiduously  engaged  in  the  im- 
portant duties  devoled  upon  him,  as  "  commander 

IN  CHIEF  OF  THE  DIVISION  OF  THE  SOUTH." 


MEMOIRS   OF 


CONCLUSION. 


In^ddents  of  Gen.  Jackson's  life — his  character, 

IN  concluding  these  Memoirs,  I  cannot  omit  to 
insert  a  few  incidents  of  Gen.  Jackson's  life,  which 
are  not  yet  embraced  in  them* 

When  sitting  as  judge  of  tfe  Supreme  Court  of 
Tennessee,  an  atrocious  culprit  escaped  from  the 
custody  of  the  sheriff;  seized_  a  loaded  musket 
with  a  bayonet  ;  placed  himself  in  the  angle  of 
two  stone  walls,  and  swore  he  would  shoot  the 
first,  and  bayonet  the  second  man  that  attempted 
to  take  him.  The  sheriff  ordered  ten  men,  as 
assistants,  but  they  dared  not  approach  him.  The 
sheriff  reported  the  fact  to  the  judge*  "  Summon 
1 00  men  then,"  said  Judge  Jackson*  It  was  done ; 
I  but  they  also  feared  to  arrest  him.  Upon  a  second 
report — u  Summon  me  then,"  said  the  judge.  It 
was  done.  He  descended  from  the  bench — ap- 
proached the  culprit  with  a  stern  countenance,  and 
dignified  firmness — seized  the  musket  with  one 
hand,  the  culprit  with  the  other,  and  handed  him 
to  the  sheriff. 

In  the  most  gloomy  period  of  the  Creek  war, 
when  Gen.  Jackson's  little  army  was  in  imminent 
danger  from  the  savages,  and  still  more  alarmed 
at  the  almost  certain  prospects  of  famine ;  when 
an  alarming  despondency  pervaded  the  hearts  of 
those  brave  men.  who  would  face  death  in  its  most 


t 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  SIS 

horrible  forms,  the  general  invited  a  number  of 
his  officers  to  breakfast  with  him.  They  repaired 
to  his  marquee,  and  found  him  sitting,  with  digni- 
fied composure  under  a  wide  spreading  oak,  which 
had  produced  an  abundant  crop  of  acorns.  "  Sit 
down,  gentlemen,"  said  the  general,  "  this  is  my 
breakfast,  and  it  is  all  I  have  to  serve  you  with  : 
but  a  soldier  ne^8b  despairs.  Heaven  will  bless 
our  cause — will  preserve  us  from  famine,  and  re- 
turn us  home  conquerors."  The  officers  return- 
ed to  their  tents  with  encreasing  admiration  of 
their  general ,  adhered  to  him  to  the  end  of  the  wrar* 
and  saw  his  predictions  verified. 

The  troops  before  New  Orleans  embraced  many 
of  the  first  young  gentlemen,  in  point  of  talents, 
education,  family,  and  fortune,  in  the  states  Ox 
Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Louisiana,  and  Mississippi : 
and  among  them  were,  of  course,  many  of  a  rougher 
character.  The  pleasant  raillery,  which  is  the 
very  zest  of  life,  when  played  off  by  one  gentle- 
man  upon  another,  was  unfortunately  practised 
upon  a  captain  of  a  company,  who  took  it  in  high 
dudgeon.  In  imitation  of  the  names  of  Indian  chiefs, 
his  men  called  him  Capt.  Flat-foot.  He  remon- 
strated against  it  to  Gen.  Jackson,  who  pleasantly 
remarked — "  Really  Captain,  it  is  difficult  getting 
along  with  these  gay  young  fellows  ;  but  so  long 
as  they  toil  at  the  lines  with  such  vigour,  and  fight 
the  enemy  with  such  courage,  we  officers  must 
overlook  a  little  innocent  levity.  Why,  Captain. 
they  call  me  Old  Hickory  ;  and  if  you  prefer  my  title 
to  your's,  I  will  readily  make  an  exchange."    Th^ 

27  - 


314  MEMOIRS    OF 

Captain  retired,  proud  of  the  title  of  Capt.  Flat- 
foot. 

Pages  might  be  filled  in  relating  interesting  anec- 
dotes, and  incidents  of  Gen.  Jackson,,  which  would 
clearly  show,  that  although  austere  dignity  is  his 
predominating  characteristic,  he  still  possesses 
the  most  amiable  and  benevolent  tjeart.  But  the 
work  is  already  extended  much  beyond  the  original 
design  of  it.  One  subject,"  however,  must  not  be 
omitted  ;  that  of  duelling.  That  Gen.  Jackson  has, 
a  number  of  times,  entered  the  field  of  single  com- 
bat, is  not  disputed  ;  but  that  he  ever  entered  it 
die  aggressor,  is  most  unequivocally  denied.  That 
he  has  that  susceptibility  which  is  always  a  con- 
comitant with  genius  and  greatness,  is  admitted  ; 
but  that  he  ever  wantonly  provol^d  an  honourable 
man  to  resort  to  the  sword  or  pistol  for  redress? 
is  inadmissible.  Gen.  Jackson  respects  his  fellow 
men,  according  to  their  merits  ;  and  he  respects 
himself  according  to  his  own.  He  is  never  guilty 
of  insulting  with  wantonness,  and  will  never  be  in- 
sulted with  impunity. 

If  Gen.  Jackson,  in  repelling  and  punishing  the 
vude  attacks  that  have  been  made  on  his  fame  and  his 
honour,  has  resorted  to  a  mode  of  redress,  not  sanc- 
tioned by  the  laws  of  his  country,  it  is  a  mode  which 
legislatures  have  hitherto  been  unable   to  restrain. 

In  concluding  these  memoirs,  I  attempt  with  deep 
solicitude,  briefly  to  portray  the  exalted  character 
who  is  the  subject  of  them. 

ANDREW  JACKSON  was  born  a  great  man — 
he  was  born  free.    The  first  dawning  of  his  iotelJectr 


ADREW  JACKSON.  315 

elicited  the  independence  of  his  spirit.  As  if  hi? 
youthful  blood  instinctively  glowed  with  indignation, 
at  the  miseries  his  ancestors  had  sustained  from 
abused  power,  the  first  signal  act  of  his  \fewas 
performed  in  resisting  it.  Intuitively  great,  he 
'explored  the  regions  of  science  with  the  rapidity 
of  thought.  Acute  in  observation,  he  studied  men 
as  he  mingled  with  them.  Aspiring  in  his  views, 
he  sought  for  a  capacious  field  as  the  scene  of  his 
exertions.  He  entered  the  stage  of  life  entirely 
alone.  With  no  extrinsic  advantages  to  raise  hina 
into  life,  he  sought  no  aid  out  of  himself,  and  he 
received  no  aid  but  what  he  commanded  by  his  own 
energy.  A  theoretical  and  practical  statesman,  he 
led  the  people  of  Tennessee,  to  the  adoption  of  a. 
constitution,  to  give  permanency  to  their  civil 
rights — A  soldier  from  boy-hood,  he  led  his  fellow- 
citizens  to  the  frontiers,  to  preserve  them  from 
devastation,  and  the  settlers  from  massacre.  Un- 
satisfied with  a  minor  station,  every  step  he  gained 
in  his  ascent  to  the  temple  of  fame,  gave  him  new 
vigour  in  ascending  still.  He  became  a  senator  of 
the  American  Republic  ;  and  to  shew  the  world 
that  his  greatness,  was  not  derived  from  his  official 
elevation,  he  retired  to  the  "  post  of  honour — a 
private   station." 

When  the  olive  of  peace  ceased  to  wave  over 
the  Republic,  and  the  clarion  of  war  assailed  the 
ears  of  her  citizens,  his  military  character  sud- 
denly developed  itself,  Enjoying  the  tranquil 
charms  of  domestic  felicity,  the  soothing  sugges- 
tions of  inactivity  urged  him  to  rest.     But  he  was 


316  MEMOIRS  OF 

born  for  his  country — his  country  was  endangered — 
its  hopes  were  fixed  upon  him,  and  he  espoused 
its  car  se. 

D  J  ted  to  the  cause  of  his  country  from  prin- 
ipl  c  scarcely  breathed,  after  subjugating  a 
savage  foe,  before  he  thundered  defiance  to  the 
:  onquerors  of  the  Old  World.  Upon  the  banks 
of  the  majestic  Mississippi,  he  soared  before  his  ene- 
mies, in  sheets  of  fire — he  rendered  ev^ry  defile 
there,  a  Thermopolce,  and  every  plain  an  Amqmthon. 

He  is  deeply  versed  in  the  science  of  human  na- 
ture— hence  he  is  rarely  deceived  in  the  confidence 
he  reposes  in  his  friends,  and  knows  well  how  to  de- 
tect his  enemies.  The  first  he  loves,  and  sets 
the  last  at  defiance.  In  the  discharge  of  official 
duties,  he  imparts  dignity  to  the  office, .and  secures 
respect  to  himself — in  the  circles  of  private  life,  he 
as  affable,  without  descending  to  low  familiarity. 

In  his  person,  he  is  above  the  ordinary  height, 
elegantly  formed,  but  of  very  spare  habit.  But"  toil 
has  strung  his  nerves,  and  purified  his  blood  "  and  he 
can  bear  any  fatigue  within  the  power  of  human  en- 
durance. The  features  of  his  face  have  that  stri- 
king peculiarity,  which  immediately  attracts  atten- 
tion. His  large,  dark  blue  eyes,  are  settled  deep 
under  prominent  arching  eye  brows,  which  he  can 
clothe  in  frow^is  to  repel  an  enemy,  and  dress  in 
smiles  to  delight  his  friends — His  whole  person 
shows  that  he  was  born  to  command. 

In  fine,  he  is  loved  by  his  friends — respected  by 
his  enemies — the  favourite  of  his  country,  and  thf? 
admiration  of  the  worid.         .  'IA-ixa*^1^^***^ 


^^yL^  <&  ^**£^~    J^<?zc£*^^ 


» 


I 


—  ■     I  -  R  1h 


